Jacqueline Feltham appeared Friday in a St. John's court. (CBC)

A St. John's court heard Friday how an accountant who stole from local charities built and then destroyed the trust of people she claimed to help.

Jacqueline Feltham, who has already pleaded guilty to charges of theft and fraud over $5,000, appeared in provincial court Friday for a sentencing hearing.

Judge David Orr heard evidence from organizations that Feltham ripped off, including Brighter Futures, an organization that works with pregnant women and new mothers.

Feltham, who defrauded the group of almost $215,000, listened as executive director Rod O'Driscoll laid out the devastating impact on Brighter Futures.

"(She) not only stole from our non-profit organization, she stole from vulnerable children and from many at risk pregnant women with whom we work," said O'Driscoll, who struggled to contain his emotions during his testimony.

He said the organization had to lay off staff, and that more than 50 "vulnerable pregnant women" had to be turned away from the Healthy Baby Clubs that the organization sponsors.

Feltham, who is currently suspended by the Certified General Accountants Association, defrauded other groups.

As the volunteer treasurer of the Natural History Society, she defrauded the group of almost $15,000.

Court was also told that Feltham had volunteered at the Memorial University Botanical Garden, and then defrauded the organization of just over $33,000.

The sentencing hearing for Feltham will continue in July.