HARROW Council says it will not tolerate the “shocking abuse of position” shown by an ex-chief librarian sentenced today.

Gillian Polding, 56, of Ridgewood Drive, Harpenden, stole books and other stock before selling it on eBay and was electronically tagged as part of a three-month curfew today.

Councillor Graham Henson, responsible for performance, customer services and corporate services, said: “This was a shocking abuse of position and theft from the public purse which is all the more galling given the financial challenges we face.

“Mrs Polding was immediately suspended when these matters came to light and she was later dismissed following a thorough Council investigation.

“The Council’s corporate fraud team worked closely with the police, who assisted in her arrest, and with eBay to secure this conviction.

“Our staff are our greatest asset and do an excellent job delivering essential and popular services to residents in Harrow.

“That’s why it is extremely disappointing on the very rare occasions a staff member lets us down like this and I hope this case sends a clear message that we will not tolerate it.”