Dinnington: Employee jailed for stealing over £20,000 from Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

A police investigation was launched after a finance assistant at the hospice was found counting large piles of cash, which was not normal procedure.

Covert cameras captured Richard Shepherd, of Aisby Drive in Rossington, putting bundles of money in his pockets before leaving the office.

Shepherd, who pleaded guilty to theft at a previous hearing, had been paying significant sums of money into his own bank account between 1st December 2012 and 1st July 2013.

Police Constable Angela Hardwick, who lead the investigation, said: “Shepherd’s actions are deplorable and I am pleased he has now admitted his guilt.”

“To steal donated money from a charitable organisation, especially one that provides essential care and support for terminally ill children and their families, is despicable.”

“The money he stole allowed Shepherd to fund a lifestyle far above that afforded by his legitimate income.”

“We are grateful to Bluebell Wood for their support and patience through what has been a long investigation and I hope that the conclusion of proceedings today shows that justice has been done.”

Shepherd was sentenced to one year in prison and a further 12 months on licence.