Charity manager Derek Simpson guilty of theft

Derek Simpson, born in 1970, has been given a prison sentence of nine months after stealing thousands of pounds from people with learning difficulties. Simpson was also given a suspended sentence of 18 months and a curfew which will be electronically monitored from 10pm-7am.

Simpson, who also admitted to theft and fraud during his role as an assistant director at Buddy Rochdale Community Interest Company, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on 4 July. He was a registered manager of Linkablity in Heywood. The charity is provides care for people with learning difficulties.

A relative of a care user who uses the Linkability service said: “This is another case of vulnerable people abused.”

Linkability issued the following statement regarding Simpson’s sentence: “The Trustees of Linkability welcome the sentence handed down to Derek Mark Simpson by the Crown Court.

"Mr Simpson’s conduct can only be described as an appalling breach of trust, which has caused financial harm to the vulnerable adults whom Linkability supports and who, for legal reasons, cannot be named.

"Linkability’s immediate priority is to continue its review of all of the facts and circumstances of the case to consider whether there are any lessons that can be learned by Linkability to ensure such an appalling act can never occur again.

"Linkability would like to acknowledge and offer a note of thanks for the support it has received from the agencies that have assisted them in their relentless pursuit of this matter. Once it became apparent to Linkability on 7 March 2013 that there were serious concerns about Mr Simpson they took immediate action and are pleased to see that it has taken less than five months to bring the Mr Simpson to Justice.”

Simpson pleaded guilty at Bury Magistrates Court on 13 June and was sentenced on 4 July. He is due to reappear in court on 2 October to address the court on how he will repay the money he stole.