URGENT UPDATE: The Gateshead Access Panel, a vital charity supporting disabled individuals and their carers, has collapsed following revelations that its finance officer embezzled over £120,557.98 ($162,884.67) to fund a gambling addiction. The shocking news comes as the organization, which provided essential services like funding applications and payroll management, is left in financial ruin, impacting countless lives.
In a dramatic turn of events, 40-year-old S.H., from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was revealed to have siphoned off charity funds since 2016. The case was presented at the Newcastle Crown Court where prosecutor Neil Pallister disclosed that S.H. stole money under the guise of handling payroll and accounts. Initially, concerns arose in June 2017, when the charity faced a financial shortfall, leading to suspicions about missing funds.
Despite being given a second chance, including a supervised role and promises to repay the stolen money with parental assistance, S.H. continued his deceitful behavior. In August 2017, a colleague caught him gambling on his phone during work hours. Further investigation uncovered that he had linked the charity’s account to his personal PayPal, allowing him to transfer funds undetected.
On the same day he was confronted, S.H. walked into Whickham Police Station and confessed, admitting to the staggering theft. By then, he had already caused irreversible damage, leaving carers and disabled individuals, including a close friend, in dire financial distress with debts owed to HMRC.
The charity’s manager lamented the loss, stating that the theft had “decimated” the organization, which ultimately had to shut its doors in 2018. The impact on the community is profound, with many now struggling to cope without the vital support services previously offered.
In court, S.H. was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and compulsive gambling disorder, which contributed to his actions. Judge Robert Adams described the case as “appalling” and noted his disbelief that S.H. was not immediately removed from his position once the theft was uncovered. S.H. received a suspended sentence of 18 months and was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. A future hearing will determine the total amount he must repay.
As this case continues to unfold, the community watches closely, grappling with the fallout from this devastating betrayal. The urgency of the situation highlights the critical need for oversight in charitable organizations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.