A disgraced former Church of England priest has been handed a prison sentence after being convicted of defrauding parishioners in Cheshire and Sheffield, swindling thousands of pounds in a brazen deception.
Michael Gamble, 58, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court after admitting to multiple counts of fraud. The court heard how Gamble exploited his position of trust to siphon funds from vulnerable members of his congregations.
The Deceptive Scheme
Gamble's fraudulent activities spanned several years, during which he:
- Falsely claimed financial hardship to solicit donations
- Misappropriated church funds for personal expenses
- Created fake charitable initiatives to dupe well-meaning parishioners
Justice Served
Judge Eleanor Sharp described Gamble's actions as "a profound betrayal of trust" as she handed down a 3-year prison sentence. "You abused your position as a man of the cloth to line your own pockets," she told the defendant.
The case has sent shockwaves through Church of England communities in both Cheshire and Sheffield, where Gamble previously served. Church officials have emphasised that safeguarding measures have since been strengthened to prevent similar abuses.
Aftermath and Reactions
Local parishioners expressed their dismay at the revelations. One Sheffield resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters: "We trusted him completely. To discover he was stealing from people who could least afford it is heartbreaking."
The Church of England has confirmed that all misappropriated funds will be repaid to victims through its internal compensation scheme.
