This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/6732337.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Two jailed for charity 'business' Two jailed for charity 'business'
(30 minutes later)
Two people who stole money given to a charity set up to help children with brain injuries have been jailed.Two people who stole money given to a charity set up to help children with brain injuries have been jailed.
Trevor England, 60, of South Wales, and Mary Johnson, 60, of Warrington, both stole thousands of pounds in cash from Catch, Manchester Crown Court heard. Trevor England, 60, of Carmarthenshire, and Mary Johnson, 60, of Warrington, both stole thousands of pounds from Catch, Manchester Crown Court heard.
In addition to stealing cash, England cheated the tax office out of £650,000 through fraudulent gift aid payments.In addition to stealing cash, England cheated the tax office out of £650,000 through fraudulent gift aid payments.
He admitted two counts of theft and was jailed for six years. Johnson, who had denied theft, was jailed for seven.He admitted two counts of theft and was jailed for six years. Johnson, who had denied theft, was jailed for seven.
A jury convicted Johnson, of Manchester Road, Rixton, of two counts of theft last month.A jury convicted Johnson, of Manchester Road, Rixton, of two counts of theft last month.
The court heard that she took advantage of the lack of records of donations coming into the charity's office in Irlam, Greater Manchester, to steal about £346,00 in cash.The court heard that she took advantage of the lack of records of donations coming into the charity's office in Irlam, Greater Manchester, to steal about £346,00 in cash.
This charity was redolent with fraud and dishonesty Judge Anthony HammondThis charity was redolent with fraud and dishonesty Judge Anthony Hammond
She had claimed the money came from horse racing winnings.She had claimed the money came from horse racing winnings.
England, from Glanaman, Carmarthenshire, also took about £177,000 in cash from the offices of the charity, which he founded. England, from Glanaman, also took about £177,000 in cash from the offices of the charity, which he founded.
The scam began after Johnson founded Drawtreat Ltd, which employed dozens of commission-paid telesales staff in Manchester to cold call people for £35 donations.The scam began after Johnson founded Drawtreat Ltd, which employed dozens of commission-paid telesales staff in Manchester to cold call people for £35 donations.
While most charities give back up to 90% of their fundraising, Catch (Care and Action Trust for Children with Handicaps) gave just 14%.While most charities give back up to 90% of their fundraising, Catch (Care and Action Trust for Children with Handicaps) gave just 14%.
Tax scamTax scam
Judge Anthony Hammond, sentencing on Thursday, said about £800,000 in donations "simply could not be accounted for".Judge Anthony Hammond, sentencing on Thursday, said about £800,000 in donations "simply could not be accounted for".
"Kind people are only too willing to give money to charity, and even more willing when the charity is for children handicapped by brain damage," he said."Kind people are only too willing to give money to charity, and even more willing when the charity is for children handicapped by brain damage," he said.
"This charity was redolent with fraud and dishonesty."This charity was redolent with fraud and dishonesty.
"Those involved collecting for this charity were in business for themselves.""Those involved collecting for this charity were in business for themselves."
The court also heard that by paying staff cash in hand they cheated HM Revenue and Customs out of a further £236,000.The court also heard that by paying staff cash in hand they cheated HM Revenue and Customs out of a further £236,000.
Guilty pleasGuilty pleas
Johnson's son and daughter - Paul Johnson and Donna Siddaway - were employed to assist the scam, which was also carried out by the office manager, Andrea Glancy.Johnson's son and daughter - Paul Johnson and Donna Siddaway - were employed to assist the scam, which was also carried out by the office manager, Andrea Glancy.
Paul Johnson, of School Lane, Rixton, pleaded guilty in respect of a PAYE tax offence in February 2007 and was jailed for 12 months.Paul Johnson, of School Lane, Rixton, pleaded guilty in respect of a PAYE tax offence in February 2007 and was jailed for 12 months.
Siddaway, 42, of Manchester Road, Rixton, pleaded guilty to a PAYE tax offence and was sentenced today to 200 hours of community service.Siddaway, 42, of Manchester Road, Rixton, pleaded guilty to a PAYE tax offence and was sentenced today to 200 hours of community service.
Glancy, 45, of Victory Road, Cadishead, Manchester, pleaded guilty in respect of a PAYE tax offence and was sentenced to two years.Glancy, 45, of Victory Road, Cadishead, Manchester, pleaded guilty in respect of a PAYE tax offence and was sentenced to two years.
A PAYE offence will be left on England's file, along with another theft charge.A PAYE offence will be left on England's file, along with another theft charge.