A former policewoman who pleaded guilty to defrauding the Police Federation of more than $1 million has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Camille Richards, 25, who was the welfare secretary at the Police Federation had pleaded guilty in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court in July.

She had promised to make restitution but, when she appeared Monday for sentencing, the court was informed that she was unable to do so. Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey sentenced her.

34 counts of larceny

Richards, 25, was charged in November 2006 with 34 counts of larceny as a servant. The offences were committed between May 2005 and August 2006.

The facts of the case are that Richards prepared cheques in her name and forged the signatures of signing officers of the Police Federation. She then cashed the cheques for her own use and benefit.

The cheques were drawn on the account of the Federation's welfare fund, which was set up to assist members of the force.