Feb 23 • 07:23 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Depressed accountant stole £26,000 from food bank charity

An accountant stole over £26,000 from a food bank charity while managing its finances, diverting the funds into her own business account.

Elizabeth Burrows, an accountant, misappropriated £26,294 from the Adur Community Gateway charity, which provides food bank support in West Sussex. Hired to assist in paying the charity's tax bill and managing payroll, Burrows committed the theft through several unauthorized transfers to her own account at Hennessy Capital Analysts Ltd, her home-based accountancy firm. The misappropriation took place between January 9 and February 11, 2023.

The Adur Community Gateway charity serves communities in Shoreham-by-Sea, Fishersgate, and Southwick, areas where food bank support is crucial, especially in times of economic hardship. Burrows's actions not only led to financial loss for the charity but also undermined the trust placed in her by an organization that relies heavily on honesty and accountability in managing funds intended for vulnerable populations.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with delegated financial responsibilities, particularly in charitable organizations where the expectation is for transparency and ethical conduct. The implications for Burrows include legal consequences as well as a broader conversation about the need for rigorous financial oversight in non-profit environments.

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