A GLASGOW hotel manager who embezzled almost £124,000 to make her family "more comfortable" after she was diagnosed with cancer has been jailed for 14 months.

Brenda Rafferty, 58, falsified bank details and hours worked using records for employees who had left or were dormant on the four-star Marriott's payroll system and pocketed the cash.

When questioned by police the mum said she had been diagnosed with cancer for a second time in 2006, when her stealing began. She said she thought she was "on her way out" and wanted things to be more comfortable for her family.

Rafferty, the human resources manager at the hotel in Glasgow's Argyle Street, said her youngest daughter was also in financial difficulty and she wanted to help her out.

But, she was snared when hours for an employee who had not worked in a particular department were processed for a shift they hadn't worked and suspicions were aroused.

Rafferty, of Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to embezzlement between April 2006 and August 2012.

Sheriff Alan Mackenzie sentenced her to 14 months in prison after it was revealed £123,951 had been taken.

When interviewed by police she said: "This is the second time I've had cancer and I thought that definitely I was on my way out.

"So, I started to take some money, I was going to pay for things and make everything more comfortable for my family and I'm shocked to find out it is that kind of money."

She added that her youngest daughter got in financial difficulties but still have nothing. Rafferty said they were "up to their eyes in it".

A proceeds of crime hearing will take place at a later date.