Following fraud against charitable organizations claiming to collect funds, two members of the network – David Levi and Stephen Chesterman – have been ordered to repay more than £100,000 to victim charities. The confiscated sum will be distributed to Children in Need, Mind, The Children’s Society and Great Ormond Street Hospital. David Levi, originally from Lytham St Annes, received a confiscation order worth £4,438, which must be paid within 56 days or face an additional custodial sentence of three months. Stephen Chesterman, from Essex, was ordered to pay £102,618 to Great Ormond Street Hospital, having three months to honor the debt. [1]

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Two convicted for £315,000 fraud from Kidz Come First foundation funds

Ruksana Khan, founder and former board member of a children's charity in Essex, was sentenced to prison, while former trustee James Donovan received a three-year sentence after they stole £315,000 intended for the organization, with funds used for online gambling and household bills. Khan, aged 68, established Kidz Come First in 2011, with the stated aim of supporting children with terminal illnesses or disabilities. Khan initially set up her base in a property in Clacton, which she shared with James Donovan, aged 58, who had been a board member of the charity since its launch. Essex Police confirmed that the two stole £315,000 from the foundation's accounts between 2011 and 2015. Khan pleaded guilty to fraud in 2021 and was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier this month to five years and 11 months in prison. Donovan denied three charges of fraud but was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison on June 13 of that year. A police investigation into Kidz Come First’s activities was launched in 2017 following complaints made to the Charity Commission. According to Essex Police reports, Donovan opened the foundation's bank account, and bank statements showed thousands of pounds were transferred into Khan’s personal account. The money transferred to Khan was used to pay for online gambling sites. Large sums were also transferred to Donovan between 2013 and 2016, some of which was spent on gaming platforms. The foundation was dissolved in 2016 and removed from the official register in the same month. A spokesperson for the Charity Commission stated that anyone working on behalf of a charity is expected to act with integrity. “These individuals exploited the generosity of the public and diverted much-needed funds away from causes people cared about,” the Charity Commission spokesperson said. “The verdict sends a strong warning to all those attempting to abuse public goodwill for their own gain, making it clear they will be held accountable.” The Commission noted that although most fundraising activities are honest, “in rare cases where they are not, the Commission will intervene.” Their work was pivotal in stopping this fraudulent operation. Collaboration with police and other law enforcement agencies is essential to detect, deter, and prevent financial abuse so the British public can trust that donations are used for their intended purpose. Essex Police described the case as complex, highlighting that the founder’s intentions were clear from the outset. Detective Chief Inspector Claire March, who led the investigation, stated that neither expressed remorse during the course of the case. Khan set up the foundation with the clear intent from the beginning to steal funds for her gambling addiction and to finance a particular lifestyle. The lead investigator deemed it “absolutely shocking” that the two stole £315,000 from a children's charity, money that should have been used for equipment, medical care, and recovery holidays for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses. Both parties received their respective sentences. Police have begun proceedings to apply for confiscation orders to recover part of the stolen money. The investigation revealed that the total amount stolen exceeded £300,000, with police identifying the exact figure as £315,000. Khan admitted to fraud in 2021. Donovan rejected the three fraud charges and was later convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court in January 2024. On June 13, 2024, Recorder William Clegg KC sentenced Khan to five years and 11 months in prison, and Donovan to three years. These sentences followed investigations into the use of donated money for personal purposes, including online gambling. [3] [2]

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Sources

  1. The Times of India British fraud gang posed as charity collectors and dressed as Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear to collect donations, and two members must now pay over £100,000 to charities
  2. The Times of India UK charity founder jailed for stealing £315,000 meant for sick children
  3. civilsociety.co.uk Pair jailed after stealing £315,000 meant for disabled and terminally ill children