Home / Crime and Justice / Scout Fraudster Spared Jail: Parent Outraged
Scout Fraudster Spared Jail: Parent Outraged
20 Oct
Summary
- Scout boss received suspended sentence for £200,000 fraud.
- Fraud stole a 'once in a lifetime' trip for 100 children.
- Parent expresses disappointment with the lenient sentence.
A senior Scout leader, Robert Sidley, has received a suspended prison sentence for a £200,000 fraud. Sidley, who was the Hereford and Worcester County Scouts' commissioner, pleaded guilty to fraud at Worcester Crown Court on Monday. He was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 220 hours of unpaid work. This decision has been met with anger by parents, one of whom called the judgment "disappointing".
The fraud impacted 100 children who had been fundraising for over a year for a two-week trip to Canada. Each scout had paid £2,750 for the excursion, which was subsequently cancelled. The funds were discovered to be unexpectedly removed from a charity account on January 9th, prompting an investigation by West Mercia Police and the Charity Commission.
A spokesperson for the Scouts confirmed that all affected families have received appropriate refunds. However, the parent of one scout expressed concern about the message the sentence sends to young people regarding the seriousness of such financial crimes and the loss of a unique experience.
