THE secretary of the Co-operative Women’s Guild has been told she could be jailed for a fraud of up to £200,000.

Claire Morgan, 45, of Freeman Close, Colchester, admitted fraud and theft charges.

Morgan is accused of abusing her position as national secretary of the association by authorising money transfers over several years.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the amount involved is still being worked out because Morgan not only fraudulently obtained a credit card and spent on it, she also took money from it to pay the monthly bill.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC said the amount could be as much as £200,000.

Morgan’s barrister, Andrew Levy, said she would accept the sum was “£100,000, but no more”.

Morgan admitted nine fraud, theft and forgery charges, when she appeared in court.

Sentence was adjourned for reports, but she was told to expect jail.

Judge Goldstaub said: “It’s definitely on the cards she will be sent to prison so she must prepare for that eventuality.”

Morgan is the national general secretary of the guild, which works to educate women and improve their status.

It was founded in 1883 and has 86 branches throughout the country and its head office in Colchester.

Morgan has admitted stealing £34,838 from the guild between February 8, 2005 and August 10, 2009.

She also admitted forging an application for a credit card on June 17, 2006, in the name of Christine Hay and using it with intent to deceive the Co-operative Bank.

She has also admitted six fraud charges by abusing her position as general secretary by writing a letter to the Co-operative Bank requesting unauthorised money transfers.

This was between 2007 and 2008 and involved sums of £5,589, £8,080, £15,000, £10,000 and two of £5,000, the court heard.

The charges state Morgan committed fraud by abuse of position while she was general secretary.

Morgan was bailed. She will be sentenced next month.

Pat Stuttard, national president of the Co-operative Women’s Guild said: “Claire Morgan carried out a long-term systematic betrayal of the many thousands of women who have been involved with the Co-operative Women’s Guild since its inception in 1883.

“The guild is pleased the judge has emphasised the gravity of her actions and we confidently expect an appropriate sentence to be passed.”