Margaret Jacovelli

Margaret Jacovelli, 48, from Kilwinning, Scotland, has been involved in public criminal proceedings in the UK related to embezzlement from two employers. She appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing on July 6, 2026, after pleading guilty to two charges of embezzlement.

Key Facts and Dates:

• January - July 2022: Jacovelli embezzled a total of almost £150,000 from two companies: Together Energy and Hayward Contracts Ltd.
• Together Energy Embezzlement: She began embezzling from Clydebank-based Together Energy just four days before the firm went into administration in January 2022. Between January 14 and February 18, 2022, she made multiple refunds totaling over £54,000 to an account in her daughter's name. Additionally, she diverted over £74,000 to her then-partner's account between January and March 17, 2022.
• Hayward Contracts Ltd Embezzlement: After being made redundant from Together Energy, Jacovelli started working as an administrative assistant at Stevenson-based Hayward Contracts Ltd in April 2022. Her employment ended in July 2022, and it was later discovered she had diverted almost £20,000 to herself.
• April 2026: Jacovelli pleaded guilty to embezzling tens of thousands of pounds.
• May 27, 2026: A hearing took place at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. During this time, she claimed to social workers that her former partner, James Power, had coerced her into the crimes, a claim the Crown did not accept as he was found not guilty.
• July 6, 2026: Jacovelli appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing.

Court Decisions:

Despite the sheriff stating that the crime deserved a prison sentence, Jacovelli avoided jail. The court's decision included:

• Supervision: She was placed under supervision for two years.
• Unpaid Work: She was ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.
• Restriction of Liberty Order: She was made subject to a restriction of liberty order for a period of six months.
• Proceeds of Crime Action: Proceeds of crime action will be taken against Jacovelli in November.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) stated that Jacovelli flagrantly abused her position of financial trust in both instances. Approximately £60,000 of the stolen money remained unrecovered at the time of her plea.