The former treasurer of the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association has been given a suspended jail term for stealing the charity’s funds.
Philip Lea, 33, of St James’s Drive in Bootle, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 April 2019 after pleading guilty to Fraud by Abuse of Position at a hearing in the city’s magistrates’ court in March.
The court heard that in September 2017, Lea became treasurer of the organisation that works to help disabled supporters access matches and to ensure they have a good view of the action.
He had sole access to the association’s community bank account, which is made up of donations and membership fees.
But Lea had a gambling addiction and between July 2018 and September 2018 he stole almost all of the association’s funds – around £12,500. He left just £13.02 in the account.
On 31 August he contacted committee member, Kay Lindsay and admitted what he’d done. She then called the chairman of the association David Higham who checked the bank statements.
It was clear that Lea had used the account on several occasions for his own use. Mr Higham contacted Liverpool Football Club (LFC) and the police and Lea removed his access to the account.
On 28 September 2018 Lea went to a meeting at the club’s ground at Anfield to explain what he’d done. He became very emotional and admitted that he was addicted to gambling and used the funds to feed his habit.
He has been sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for 18 months and has been given an order to carry out a rehabilitation activity. A Proceeds of Crime timetable has also been set to recover the money stolen.
Philip Hall, Crown Advocate with Mersey Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service said: “Philip Lea’s theft was an abuse of trust which impacted heavily on vulnerable supporters.
“The Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association is a worthy organisation aimed at helping people with extra needs get to see the football team that they love.
“Lea cleared out their accounts and almost destroyed the organisation. Understandably many members have been deeply hurt and saddened by what he has done. By sheer hard work they have managed to stay afloat and put money back into the coffers.
“Lea owned up at a very early stage and said his gambling addiction had led him to do what he did. He put money back into the account from his winnings over the period but he eventually lost everything. The association arranged a meeting to agree with Lea a repayment plan but he didn’t turn up.
“He claims he was in hospital when the meeting was held so couldn’t get there and he has also since offered to pay back a £100 a month, but the association has been advised against accepting this.
“He has now also voluntarily banned himself from going to LFC matches for the next two years.”