Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has launched a legal claim worth around £24,000 against a former personal assistant for alleged misuse of her funds by going on unauthorised shopping sprees.

The 53-year-old novelist claims Amanda Donaldson, who worked for her between February 2014 and April 2017 before being sacked for gross misconduct, broke strict working rules by using a business credit card to buy cosmetics and gifts.

Legal papers lodged at Airdrie Sheriff Court in Scotland allege that Donaldson, 35, wrongly benefited to a value of £23,696.32 by spending on a business credit card and taking Harry Potter merchandise.

“I can confirm J.K. Rowling has taken legal action against her former personal assistant, Amanda Donaldson, following her dismissal for gross misconduct involving a substantial breach of trust,” a spokesperson for the author said.

“As the case is not yet concluded we are not able to comment further and there won’t be any comment from Rowling,” the spokesperson said.

Donaldson denies the claims and says the author has “not suffered any loss and is not entitled to damages”. The civil action suit, in which Rowling is using her married name Joanne Murray, will be heard by Sheriff Derek O’Carroll later this year.