Wednesday 26 October 2016

Women's Lottery-Funded Charity Boss Admits Nicking Thousands Of Pounds

The boss of a National Lottery-funded women’s charity admitted defrauding the organisation of thousands of pounds when she appeared in court yesterday.

Ruth Hiscock, 37, was the co-ordinator of Harrow Women’s Centre, which in February 2014 secured five years of lottery money after the local council removed their £68,000 grant.

When originally charged Hiscock, of The Gables, North Orbital Road, Watford was accused of taking £40,497.67, but she insists the figure is lower.

She pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court to one count of fraud by abuse of position between December 31, 2012 and April 24, last year.

Judge Martyn Barklem released the first-time offender until November 15 for a pre-sentence report on condition she does not contact anyone at the centre and resides at her address.

“You have pleaded guilty to a serious offence,” he told her. “You must not read anything into the fact I’m granting you bail.”

The centre, based in Andrew Close, Bessborough Road, Harrow describes itself as providing, for over twenty years, a safe place for women in need, hardship and distress.

It provides support and counselling, including mental health assistance and legal advice and has thirty-two qualified counsellors, plus volunteers.

Hiscock is also the former director of Harrow Community Action Ltd.

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