Scout leader sentenced for £191,000 charity fraud

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

A Scout leader has been sentenced for stealing £191,000 meant for expeditions.

Robert Sidley, a 47-year-old team leader at Hereford and Worcester Scouts, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison, suspended for two years, after admitting to a single charge of fraud at Worcester Crown Court. He was also ordered to carry out 220 hours of unpaid work.

Sidley stole £191,000 that had been earmarked for young people's expeditions, including a planned trip to Canada. The allegations came to light earlier this year when Hereford and Worcester Scouts discovered what it described as 'significant theft from charity funds'.

The organisation said it took immediate action upon discovering the fraud, reporting the matter to both the police and the Charity Commission. A spokesperson said the Scouts 'fully supported the investigation throughout' and ensured that 'no young person or family was left out of pocket'. All appropriate refunds have now been made.

How it is being reported

• Scout leader sentenced after defrauding group of £191,000A Scout leader has avoided jail after taking £191,000 that was meant for expeditions, including a trip to Canada.Worcester News · 21 Oct, 16:00
• Scout leader sentenced after defrauding group of £191,000A Scout leader has avoided jail after taking £191,000 that was meant for expeditions, including a trip to Canada.Malvern Gazette · 21 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Robert Sidley · Hereford and Worcester Scouts · Worcester Crown Court · Worcester · Canada

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