Former USPCA chief executive pleads guilty to fraud

19 Sep 2018 News

The former chief executive of the USPCA has pleaded guilty to defrauding the charity over a period of eight years. 

Stephen Philpott pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by abuse of position at Newry Crown Court on Monday. 

Helen Wilson, USPCA’s chair, said in a statement that on becoming aware of apparent irregularities, the USPCA board of trustees initiated an internal investigation and “being satisfied that there was a case to answer, passed the information to the PSNI”. 

She continued: “We would like to thank investigating officer Robert McAllen for his diligence in leading the police investigation and securing a successful prosecution.

“These matters were uncovered as a result of actions taken by the trustees to strengthen governance oversight within the charity. It is with some sorrow more than anger, that our concerns have proved to be justified.

“I can assure our members and the public generally, that the charity has remained fully focused on its core charitable objectives of preventing cruelty and relieving suffering in animals.

“We look forward to a positive future under new leadership, making a vital contribution to advancing animal welfare in Northern Ireland.”

The Irish News reported that Philpott had faced a total of three charges of fraud but following an adjournment before the start of his trial his defence barrister asked for his client to be re-arraigned on the third count of the indictment.

It said the fraud charge was that, between January 2007 and November 2014, the former animal rights activist had obtained rental payments for a property on Clogharevan Road in Bessbrook, but "failed to account for the said payments and failed to bring notice of the said payments to the attention of the USPCA, with the intention, by means of the abuse of that position to make a gain for yourself or another or to cause loss to the USPCA or to expose the USPCA to a risk of a loss".

Philpott has been released on bail and will be sentenced in December.

 

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