Charity forced to close down after man stole £120k to fund gambling habit

BETTING ADDICT GIVEN ‘CHANCE AFTER CHANCE' AVOIDS PRISON SENTENCE

- By ROB KENNEDY

A FINANCE officer who caused a charity helping disabled people to fold by stealing £120,000 has walked free from court.

Steven Hughes abused his position of trust to repeatedly help himself to cash to fund his gambling habit which was meant to be used for the benefit of vulnerable people.

The compulsive gambler was given chance after chance by bosses at registered charity, Gateshead Access Panel, but could not stop laying bets.

Now Hughes, 40, of Ennerdale Place, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, who has autism which impacted on his behaviour, has been given a suspended prison sentence and unpaid work by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard Hughes had been employed by Gateshead Access Panel since 2011 and worked as a finance officer.

Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said: “He was in a position of trust and dealing with hundreds of people.

“He dealt with all of the charity's financial accounts and payroll.”