Hospice fundraiser stole donations

Dean Connaughton

A former Springhill Hospice fundraiser has been fined £500 and sentenced to 200 hours community service after being found guilty, at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, of stealing donations meant for the Hospice.

Dean Connaughton was charged with three counts of theft and one count of possession of a controlled article; he pleaded guilty to one count of theft and not guilty to all the other charges.

Connaughton, from Littleborough, was dismissed from Springhill Hospice last year due to irregularities in cash transactions. He lost his appeal against his dismissal and, following a police investigation, the CPS decided to prosecute.

As a community fundraiser, Connaughton's job included collecting cash donated from the Rochdale community and money raised at various events. He was a trusted and respected ambassador for the hospice, yet despite being very well paid he felt the need to steal money donated to the Hospice for the care of the terminally ill.

A spokesperson for the Hospice said: "This is a very sad case.

"Theft from a charity diminishes the funds available for the important work of caring for patients and their families.

"The public can be confident that we will continue to take all necessary action to protect charitable funds.”