The former chief executive of the USPCA has received a nine month sentence suspended for two years after he admitting defrauding the charity.
Stephen Philpott, 55, from Ashgrove Road, Newry, was charged with defrauding the animal charity of over £40,000 over a seven year period between January 2007 and November 2014.
He admitted to abusing his position by taking rental payments for an address in Bessbrook which belonged to the USPCA.
Philpott has since repaid the money to the USPCA.
Detectives from PSNI’S Economic Crime Unit have welcomed his conviction at Newry Crown Court for fraud by abuse of position.
Mr Philpott was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said this was a complex investigation by detectives from PSNI’s Economic Crime Unit who worked tirelessly to bring Stephen Philpott to court for his dishonesty.
“During his time as Chief Executive of the USPCA, Mr Philpott was financially responsible for the USPCA estate which included a Bessbrook property which was rented out to a tenant by the charity,” he said.
He said Mr Philpott received rental payments amounting to over £40,000 yet this money was never received by the USPCA.
“In an attempt to cover his tracks, Mr Philpott claimed that the money was used to purchase goods and services for the charity but records showed that the items were actually paid for by money from the USPCA’s bank account.
“Despite having responsibility for ensuring the financial wellbeing of the charity, Mr Philpott blatantly abused his position and the trust that was placed in him, deceiving his colleagues in a bid to satisfy his own greed and fraudulently receive large amounts of money,” said Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson.
He said Mr Philpott’s dishonest behaviour prevented the USPCA from receiving substantial funds – funds which could have been used to prevent cruelty and provide care for abandoned animals.
And he added: “We will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to abuse a trusted position to commit fraud.”