Wellingborough fraudster used stolen cash to fund Disneyland Paris trip

A 37-year-old man who stole money from the Wellingborough charity he worked for has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

Adam Humphrey helped himself to the bank accounts of the Victoria Centre Charity for 18 months, and stole just under £30,000 from them over this period of time.

In April 2019, suspicions were raised when another employee noticed strange transactions on the charity’s account. The matter was reported to Northamptonshire Police and Humphrey, who had access to the organisation’s bank accounts, PayPal account and credit card, was suspended pending an investigation.

During the course of the investigation, led by the Force’s Economic Crime Unit, it was uncovered that Humphrey had been abusing his position and stealing from the charity since May 2018, making in excess of 150 fraudulent transactions that amounted to £29,750.30.

Among these purchases were foreign holidays  to Gran Canaria, Morocco and Amsterdam, a trip to Disneyland Paris, a stay at a luxury London yacht hotel, Eurostar tickets, an iPad, and a PlayStation.

But Humphrey didn’t just limit his spending to luxury items as he also used the money for rent, food, a tumble dryer, car repairs, and petrol payments.

Humphrey was subsequently charged with fraud by abuse of position and pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier court hearing.

This week (December 15) at Northampton Crown Court, he was jailed for two years and three months.

Lead Investigator – Nicola Ambrose, said: “Adam Humphrey’s offending was incredibly selfish - the impact of the fraud and the loss of money has been devastating causing significant damage to a local charity whose mission it is to help people.

“Instead, Humphrey decided to help himself, using the money he stole to pay for a lifestyle full of luxury – holidays and electronic items to name just a couple.

“I am pleased he has been jailed as it sends a clear message that greed doesn’t pay and that when we catch you, which we will, you will be brought to justice.”