A dedicated supporter of animals who was accused of stealing thousands of pounds from a charity in Redruth has been cleared of all charges.
Sally Moore, 57, has broken her silence about her two-year ordeal under suspicion, starting with a dawn arrest in front of her elderly father.
She was due to face trial at Truro Crown Court later this month, charged with stealing £5,798.97 from Cornwall Animal and Ambulance Trust.
But she was summoned to court early to be told that the CPS was offering no evidence against her and she could leave an innocent woman.
Ms Moore had protested her innocence throughout the ordeal, having been, until her arrest, one of the charity's staunchest supporters.
"I cried like a river when I heard the news," said Ms Moore.
"It's been two years of absolute hell and I'm just so glad it's over. Apparently, after two years, they found receipts for the money they said I had taken.
"I sat in the dock in the court and was told there was no case to answer, I was innocent of all charges."
Ms Moore's nightmare began when three plain clothes police officers turned up at her door early one morning and arrested her in front of her father, then aged 89.
She said: "They took me to the side entrance of the police station used for convicts, they fingerprinted me, photographed me and kept me in a cell for eight hours. It was awful."
She was devastated to be accused of stealing money from a charity she had worked so hard to support as a volunteer since it opened.
"I had to go on sleeping tablets to get through it. I couldn't stop thinking about it, but I had to cope, I had my father to look after – he'll be 91 soon.
"I'd like to have some compensation for what I've been through, but not at the animal hospital's expense. I still love the animal hospital."
She added: "I've had so much support. So many people have rung me or come up to me in the street, given me cards and flowers to say they believed in me.
"What I would like now is just a little 16-hour a week job. I've not been able to do anything for the last two years.
"I just want something now to keep me occupied."
Ms Moore paid tribute to Terry Eastbrook and Howell & Hilton solicitors, who supported her throughout her ordeal.
Cornwall Animal Hospital trustee Jennie Jarram said it was "reviewing its next steps".
