Karen Stone is said to have abused her position as chief executive of the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford.

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The 59-year-old, of Mill Lane in Pulham Market, was in charge of running the independent, non-profit community and business centre between September 2023 and December 2024, when she is said to have benefitted from an unauthorised monthly salary increase of £500.

Appearing before Norwich Crown Court she pleaded not guilty to a single charge of fraud by abuse of position.

Judge Andrew Shaw set a date for her to stand trial from February 28 in 2028. She was given unconditional bail.

The centre opened in 2015 on the former Thetford Academy site and offers a community supermarket, café and toy library, as well as hosting local businesses.

Stone resigned as chief executive in December 2024.

In her LinkedIn profile, she boasts that her role involved “leading a team…dedicated to helping the Barnham Estate in Thetford thrive despite cost of living challenges, food poverty and economic hardships”.

© Eastern Daily Press