Pair admit misuse of anti-bullying charity funds

TWO founder members of a Birmingham charity have admitted misusing the charity’s funds.

David Turner, 26 and John Fisher, 33, both of Billingham Court, Gravelly Hill, Erdington, appeared at the city’s Crown Court.

They both pleaded guilty to abusing their position as trustees for Action 4 Bullying by making unlawful withdrawals of charity funds between September 2014 and May 2017.

The court heard that the amounts they were said to have benefitted from were disputed.

Martin Liddiard, prosecuting, said the sum for Fisher was between £26,000 and £27,000 while just over £3,000 for Turner.

In adjourning the case Judge Paul Farrer QC said: “I clearly cannot sentence either of you today.

“You have both pleaded guilty to what on the face of it is a serious charge. But there needs to be an investigation on both sides as to the extent of your underlying culpability.”

They will return to court for a directions hearing on March 27.

The charity, based at Malcolm Locker Youth Club in Erdington, folded in November last year.

It had been a registered charity since 2016 and bolstered by substantial grant aid.

Both Children in Need and The Big Lottery had awarded Action 4 Bullying sizeable grants.

The charity also received assistance form Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police.

Action 4 Bullying provided mentoring, support, day trips, courses and a youth club for youngsters with both schools and police referring victims to the charity.