Gambling great-grandmother, Sally Jenkins, has been sentenced to four years in prison for stealing over £115,000 from a charity where she worked as a fundraiser. The 78-year-old grandmother, who has been described as a “pillar of the community,” used the money to fuel her gambling addiction, which had spiraled out of control.
Jenkins had worked for the charity for over 20 years, and was highly respected by her colleagues and the community for her dedication to helping those in need. However, it was revealed that she had been siphoning off funds from the charity for her own personal use for the past five years.
The court heard that Jenkins had become addicted to gambling after her husband passed away, and had lost over £50,000 in just one year at a local casino. To cover her losses, she began stealing from the charity, falsifying records and manipulating accounts to hide her theft.
Jenkins was eventually caught out when an audit revealed discrepancies in the charity’s finances. She initially denied any wrongdoing, but eventually admitted to the theft, stating that she was “desperate” and felt trapped by her addiction.
In sentencing Jenkins, the judge acknowledged her remorse and the impact that her actions had on the charity and the community. However, he noted that her actions were a betrayal of trust and had caused significant harm to those who relied on the charity for support.
The charity’s CEO, Sarah Thompson, expressed her shock and disappointment at Jenkins’ actions, stating that the charity had been left struggling to make up the shortfall in funds. She also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in charities, to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Jenkins’ family, who had stood by her throughout the trial, were visibly upset by the verdict. Her granddaughter, Emma, described her as a loving and caring person, and expressed disbelief at the extent of her betrayal.
As Jenkins was led away to begin her prison sentence, she tearfully apologized to her family and the charity, expressing deep regret for her actions. It is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gambling addiction, and a cautionary tale for all those who may be struggling with similar issues.