Employee facing possible jail after plundering over quarter of a million pounds from Sunderland charity
An employee who caused the bankruptcy of a Sunderland charity by plundering over a quarter of a million pounds from its bank account is facing jail.
Pennywell Youth Project was forced to call in liquidators after Jodie Robson’s massive criminality came to light in late 2022 – and it has never reopened, a court heard.
An audit revealed £460,149 had been moved between the charity and her personal account between January 1, 2020, and September 30, 2022.
But detectives could only prove £285,229 had been illegally extracted by Robson, 32, Pennygreen Square, Pennywell.
The remainder may have been used for legitimate charity business, but her solicitor admitted further financial forensic investigation could yet follow.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Robson, whose exact work role was not revealed, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by employee.
Prosecutor Christopher O’Brien said: “The victim in this case is a charity, the Pennywell Youth Project.
“A witness and trustee, on September 22, 2022, was made aware that Pennywell Youth Project had run out of funds and money had been stolen from its bank account.
“She struggled to take this in when told by staff. She was informed that the defendant was responsible for the theft.
“This signalled the end of the charity and solicitors and liquidators became involved, and the charity ceased to exist.
“On November 29, 2022, the defendant was first interviewed as a voluntary attender by police.
“Over the following months, the police examined her bank statements along with statements from Pennywell Youth Project.
“The police determined that a total of £460,149.34 had been transferred from the charity’s account to the defendant’s account.
“Payments on the bank statements had numerous different references next to the transactions.
“It wasn’t possible to say exactly how much of these funds the defendant had legitimately spent on the charity.
“Taking into account the defendant’s wages and the amount she has paid back, it was established that she had gained for herself a minimal figure of £285,229.50.
“The starting point for this offence is three years and six months in custody.”
The Pennywell-based charity supported vulnerable and disadvantaged youngsters.
Heather Bolton, defending, told magistrates Robson had “huge” mitigating factors which would be revealed at a later hearing.
Mrs Bolton added: “I’ve been involved in this case since Ms Robson went for interview on November 29, 2022.
“Over the years, there have been further discussions about the money. Some is legitimate and some is not.
“She does plead guilty to this matter. It may be that some further analysis needs to be undertaken in respect of the value.
“It is conceded that your sentencing powers are insufficient and the matter will need to go to the crown court for sentencing.
“There’s huge mitigation to put forward in respect of this matter that will be covered by the benefit of a pre-sentence report.”
Magistrates adjourned for a report and granted Robson unconditional bail to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, February 9.