‘Deeply ashamed’ Mablethorpe fundraiser kept £270 charity cash after facing money problems
A ‘deeply ashamed’ fundraiser who failed to hand over charity cash after her husband’s car crash left the family facing financial difficulties has appeared in court.
Samantha McIvor has helped secure more than £10,000 for good causes over the past 20 years, magistrates were told.
But failing to hand over £270 to a suicide charity saw the Mablethorpe resident facing justice on Wednesday (January 29).
Prosecutor Lottie Tyler said the 58-year-old was handed the money, raised from a bingo club at Sutton Rovers Football Club, on January 31 last year.
“It was supposed to be donated to Andy’s Man Club, but the defendant kept the money for herself,” she explained.
“She attended the club on February 14 with a card she said was from Andy’s Man Club to say thank you for the donation.
“However, someone became suspicious that the money wasn’t donated. They contacted Andy’s Man Club who said they never received the money and the police were called.”
McIvor, of Church Lane, Mablethorpe, offered no comment in police interview.
In defence, Vicki Clayton said her client suffered with PTSD following the suicide of two family members.
“Her husband was involved in a road traffic collision and wasn’t well,” she continued.
“She accepts she used some of the money as finances were difficult for her and her husband at the time.”
The court was told McIvor has since paid the £270 to the charity, plus an additional £30 donation.
“She’s deeply ashamed by her actions,” Ms Clayton continued.
“Over the past 20 years she’s been involved in various fundraising and had raised in excess of £10,000.
“This is so out of character.”
McIvor pleaded guilty to theft when she appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates handed McIvor a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay a £26 victim surcharge.
No order for costs was made due on the grounds of the defendant’s means.
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