A FORMER manager has been accused of stealing more than £10,000 from a charity set up to help children with special needs.

Lynn Donovan, of Rowson Street, Wallasey, appeared before Wirral magistrates on Friday where she faced 21 charges of fraud.

The 43-year-old - who did not speak other than to confirm her name and address - is accused of dishonestly making a false representation by presenting cheques drawn from the account of Wirral Resource Centre and Toy Library for Children With Special Needs, purporting it to be a legitimate cheque issued to herself with the intention of making a gain.

Donovan is said to have cashed the cheques in at various banks on 21 separate occasions between August 6, 2012 and May 15, 2013.

While the amounts vary, the total of the 21 cheques is said to be £10,599 – the lowest amount being £315 and the highest £881.87.

Amanda Cullen, prosecuting, told the court the fraud had been committed by someone in a “position of trust” and said Donovan had worked as a manager for the charity.

Donovan did not enter a plea and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on December 5.

She remains on conditional bail and must not go to Wirral Resource Centre and Toy Library.