Woman took £500 raised for hospice

A mum borrowed sponsorship money collected in aid of terminally-ill patients to help pay for her daughter’s university accommodation.

Lisa Ingham’s daughter and friends had raised about £500 for Springhill Hospice, Rochdale, from two sponsored dances in April, 2008, and April, 2009.

But Oldham Magistrates’ Court heard that the cheques and cash donated were not given to the hospice until July this year.

Ingham 42, of Duchess Street, Shaw, pleaded guilty to theft after two cheques made out to the hospice were discovered at her former partner’s home.

Claire Ludlam, prosecuting, said that Ingham had used some of the money raised to pay for her daughter’s university costs and to buy things for her other children.

She added: “The monies weren’t paid to the hospice until after the police intervened.”

Greg Kemp, defending, said he felt a great deal of sympathy that Ingham was before the court.

The delay in handing over the money occurred while trying to arrange a photograph with a newspaper, he said. Ingham intended to pay the money when her daughter returned home from university, and people had been told how much had been raised.

Her daughter then asked for money to pay her deposit for accommodation and Mr Kemp added: “Ingham borrowed the cash from that pot of money and used it for her daughter, but they have always known how much was due to Springhill Hospice.

“That pot also contained a number of cheques. She did not rip them up or throw them away.”

Mr Kemp said that Ingham did not intend to permanently deprive the hospice of the money.

He told magistrates the Court of Appeal had established the “peculiar” argument that the same notes and coins taken had to be paid back, or it would be classed as theft.

“The law says you can borrow money and it is still theft. Effectively, if you dip into something you are not allowed to dip into, the theft takes place at that point.

“This woman never had any intention of Springhill Hospice never receiving the money. The hospice has received the money. Yes it was late, but there was an explanation.”

Ingham received a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid community work and £85 costs.

It is to run consecutively with another 12-month community order Ingham received last month for forging her former partner’s signature to secure a £10,000 loan to pay off debts.

In mitigation, Mr Kemp said Ingham had been responsible for the household finances for 14 years