A former treasurer of a junior football club in Bradford who stole approximately £15,000 has been ordered to repay just £10. Jemma Blackburn, 35, of Ascot Parade, Bradford, admitted fraud and received a suspended prison sentence in April.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Blackburn's theft left Westwood Juniors with less than £500, pushing the club to the brink of collapse. The club's child welfare officer, Chris Wilkinson, said the crime took the club to 'rock bottom' and it only survived due to extensive fundraising.
At a Proceeds of Crime hearing, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC set a nominal repayment order due to Blackburn's lack of assets. She has 28 days to pay the £10 or face a day in jail. The judge noted that a small repayment order could allow future assets to be subject to confiscation.
Blackburn's lawyer, Nigel Jamieson, said her family's finances were in disarray at the time of the theft, and she has since lost everything and been vilified in the community. The court heard she had significant debts.
