Oli Constable
BBC News
Kevin Proctor, a 62-year-old trustee of Barnsley Animal Rescue Charity, has been sentenced to three years in prison for embezzling over £230,000 from the organization. Proctor, residing in Hall Close, Worsbrough, created fraudulent invoices for services like veterinary care, diverting funds directly to his bank account.
His fraudulent activities spanned six years and nearly jeopardized the charity’s operations, forcing it to consider closing its shops. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC condemned Proctor’s actions, stating he had violated the trust of both the charity’s staff and the public “in a grotesque fashion.”
The charity, which plays a vital role in caring for and rehoming animals, faced significant financial strain due to Proctor’s deceit. It was revealed in Sheffield Crown Court that Proctor used the stolen funds, including donations, to pay his family’s rent. One notable fraudulent invoice was for £1,105 related to veterinary services.
An investigation was triggered when an accountant discovered discrepancies, raising concerns about the charity’s standing with the Charity Commission. Proctor resigned in February 2022, almost six years after the fraud began.
Kathleen Bailey, the charity’s founder, expressed her dismay, noting that Proctor’s actions “could have cost us our charity.” Despite his conviction, she remains concerned about the charity’s reputation moving forward.
Proctor’s defense attorney claimed he had “in effect lost everything,” but the judge countered, emphasizing that Proctor’s situation was self-inflicted. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Richardson highlighted the charity’s valuable work in the Barnsley community and stated that the public would be rightfully outraged by Proctor’s conduct.
Additionally, a Proceeds of Crime Act order was issued to recover some of the stolen funds.