Lesley Dodds, 41, plundered some £22,384 from Blyth-based Phoenix Taxis and a linked loan company while she worked in the company's finance department.

The cash – most of which was stolen straight from the drivers' takings – was spent largely on fruit machines, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

Dodds, of Victoria Terrace, Whitley Bay, was caught, arrested and admitted theft when she appeared in court.

Jailing her for 12 months Mr Recorder Jeremy Freedman said: "Substantial sums of money were involved here.

"This was a serious breach of trust, as you were placed in charge of that money.

"It is in many ways tragic to see a woman of 41, with no previous convictions, in the dock of a court.

"But an immediate sentence of custody is inevitable."

The court was told Dodds, a mother of four, stole the cash over a 12-month period between August 2005 and August 2006.

Roger Liddle, prosecuting, said the theft came to light when Dodds made herself a loan without prior approval, and when the books were audited a total of £22,384.04 was missing.

"The managing director Hugh Hurst had noticed the cash flow was poor," said Mr Liddle.

"He cashed an endowment and put it into the company's funds.

"This can not be repaid."

Chris Mitford, defending Dodds in the crown court, said she was deeply ashamed and remorseful for what she had done.

"There is no evidence of any high living paid for with this money, for either her or her family," he said.