A trusted charity worker stole more than £46,000 that was meant for good causes in the North East. Faye Dent, 39, from Elberfeld Court, Jarrow, abused her position at the Reece Foundation, which helps inspire young people to become future engineers, after accumulating debts from gambling apps.
Fraudulent payments uncovered
Newcastle Crown Court heard Dent made several fraudulent payments to herself and one to her partner's account. She was responsible for processing payments and was highly trusted, having worked with Anne Reece, chair of the trustees, for over ten years.
In January last year, Ms Reece identified a £15,000 payment to a beneficiary that had been returned by the bank. When confronted, Dent claimed she had accidentally used her partner's bank details. She resigned, and further examination revealed four additional fraudulent payments totalling more than £31,000.
Impact on the charity
In a business impact statement, Ms Reece said the fraud had a "significant impact" on the charity. She described Dent as a "trusted employee" who appeared to enjoy her work. Ms Reece said: "To learn she had been stealing from the charity has had a huge impact on me and the other trustees. It's significant because it is money that would have been given to charities and organisations in the North East."
The stolen funds could have supported schools and programmes for disabled people. Ms Reece added: "Faye was considered a friend of the foundation and the trustees and it has been a huge shock she would steal from the charity in such a manner. There is also a concern it's tarnished the reputation of the foundation and the organisations and causes we support. Many people give their time and energy for free and this is a betrayal of those people. It's been hard to come to terms with what Faye has done."
Sentence and defence
Dent pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and was sentenced to 20 months suspended for 12 months, with a mental health treatment requirement.
Mairi Clancy, defending, said Dent was "distraught" and "clearly devastated", showing sincere remorse. She added that Dent had "fallen victim to the gambling industry" and developed a "stupid habit" which she has addressed by stopping using "insidious" gambling apps. Miss Clancy said Dent is the primary carer for her two young children, and an immediate custodial sentence would have had a "catastrophic" impact on them. The court heard Dent has suffered "significant trauma" in her life and has personal issues.
