Sponsored by
Danby ex-firefighter stole funds
AN EX-FIREFIGHTER with 28 years service has admitted stealing more than £1,600 from Danby fire service funds.
Colin Dowson (47) from Ainthorpe Lane in Danby, took the money between November 2006 and April 2008, with much of the cash having been donated by individuals and local charities.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by employee but avoided an immediate jail term.
Scarborough Magistrates' Court heard that Dowson was appointed watch commander at Danby Fire Station in 2002, meaning he was responsible for looking after four bank accounts.
Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, said that Dowson closed three of the bank accounts and transferred all of the money to the firemens' sports and social fund after the station no longer needed cash for new equipment.
Suspicions had been raised in October 2007 when the station received a letter from a local darts and dominos league asking why they had not received a thank you letter for a donation they had given to the firemen.
Dowson was forced to retire from his position because of ill health in May 2008, and his successor noticed that the balance was "almost zero" and that there was "no record of statements since 2006."
Mr Butterworth added: "He was visited by some senior officers and admitted stealing something like 1,500 from various accounts. He said he intended to pay it back but it was never forthcoming."
On leaving the fire service, Dowson was presented with an ornament depicting two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to thank him for his work.
Nick Tubbs, mitigating, said that Dowson, who had no previous convictions, was "deeply ashamed and embarrassed" of his actions and wanted to pay the money back.
He added: "He had some debts building up and did not deal with them in an appropriate way so he dipped into the funds.
"He intended to borrow the money and pay it back but he found that he couldn't. He accepts he acted in a dishonourable and dishonest way.
"He had just had a heart attack and was suffering from the strains of bereavement after his mother, who he had lived with for many years, passed away.
"It is no great surprise that he was found out but his situation has improved and he is now in full time employment. He has started to resolve his debts and the burdens he felt have been lifted from him to some extent.
"He is deeply remorseful and never ever wants to come back to court again."
Edrene Rumley, the chairman of the bench, said: "You were given total trust to manage these bank accounts for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and that trust was breached. This was a prolonged and planned episode of theft.
"Only custody is appropriate, however because this your first offence and you made a full and frank admission, this will be suspended."
Dowson was given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 250 hours of community service.
He is also required to pay 1,680 compensation to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and a contribution to court costs of 85.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Scarborough
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
