Woman jailed for stealing £80,000 from community football club in Surrey
On searching her address, officers found scales, cash and two bags of cocaine
A woman from Feltham has been sentenced to two years and 11 months in prison after defrauding Esher Football Club of more than £80,000.
Hannah Buckingham, 43, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on 23rd January after pleading guilty to charges that included fraud by abuse of position and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Buckingham took on the role as treasurer of Esher Football Club in December 2018, where she was responsible for managing finances, collecting fees, and paying bills, as well as applying for additional funding.
After leaving her position in July 2022, her successor discovered that the club's financial reserves were unusually low, prompting an inquiry that revealed unpaid bills.
Buckingham reportedly ignored requests for a proper handover, instead providing false documents to mislead her successor about the club's finances.
Investigations into the club’s accounts showed that Buckingham had embezzled more than £86,000, including a Government-backed 'bounce-back loan' taken during the pandemic.
The case was reported to Action Fraud, leading to a referral to Surrey Police who arrested Buckingham in July 2023.
On searching her address, officers found scales, cash and two bags of white powder which was later confirmed as cocaine.
In a police interview, Buckingham admitted transferring the funds to her personal accounts.
Detective Constable Michael Bambrough commented: "Buckingham abused her trusted position to embezzle more than £80,000. This was far from a victimless crime. The money should have been used to benefit a vital community asset and several hundred young people. Thanks to those who raised concerns, Buckingham has faced justice."