Councilor jailed for stealing from mental health charity
A local councilor has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of stealing £150,000 from a mental health charity and using the funds to finance a secret lifestyle involving male prostitutes and crystal meth. The court heard that the theft took place over a prolonged period, during which the official abused his position of trust within the charity.
Prosecutors explained that the councilor was responsible for managing finances meant to support vulnerable people struggling with mental health challenges. Instead of safeguarding the funds, he diverted large sums into personal accounts, disguising the transactions to avoid detection. The stolen money was later traced to spending on drugs, hotel stays, and payments for sex, none of which had any connection to the charity’s work.
During sentencing, the judge described the actions as a serious betrayal that caused lasting damage to a charity relied upon by people in need. The court noted that the misuse of the funds reduced the organisation’s ability to deliver critical services and undermined public trust in charitable institutions. Victim impact statements highlighted the emotional and financial harm suffered by staff and service users.
The councilor admitted the offences and was handed a custodial sentence, along with an order to repay the stolen money. The case has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger oversight and accountability in the management of charitable funds, particularly when public officials are involved.
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