Devious thief who pocketed pensioners’ holiday savings
A COMMUNITY centre boss is facing jail for stealing money from elderly disabled women who were saving for a group holiday.
Bryn Hackley, 44, was given the money for “safekeeping” by the women, who regularly donated their savings during meetings.
But Hackley pocketed the pensioners’ cash as well as money meant to support the taxpayerfunded centre, taking more than £8,000.
The thefts at Back O’Th Moss Community Centre went on for nearly two years and an investigation was launched. His crimes forced the centre to close and an innocent colleague fled the area after she was accused of being the thief.
Hackley, who admitted fraud, theft and false accounting from August 2014 to February 2016, will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court next month.
Manchester magistrates court was told a police investigation into the centre’s finances was launched after Hackley, from Bolton, disappeared. He left behind a “confessional-style” note saying: “I’m sorry I can’t go on any more.
“I take full responsibility. I do not want a funeral when I’m found. I want to be left alone.”
The court heard £910 of the OAPs’ stolen cash was still outstanding and one victim told magistrates: “I cannot believe someone could be so devious to take money from elderly ladies.”
Prosecutor Robin Lynch said: “This was a group of elderly ladies who met regularly at the centre and organised a holiday together. Hackley first became involved as a volunteer before taking up the post of facilities manager.
“He was asked to keep the monies for the holiday they booked. They also asked him to keep hold of the spending money.”
Mr Lynch said the local authority became suspicious when a cheque for heating and boiler repairs bounced.
Concerns for Hackley’s safety were raised when he posted on Facebook: “If before the end of today I don’t commit murder I will be surprised.” Police issued a nationwide appeal and he was found at his late father’s home.
Claire Pratt, the centre’s assistant manager, said people believed she took the money and “as a result of the ill-feeling I had to move out of the community”.
Rebecca Sharp, defending, said Hackley had struggled with the responsibility of his role and was drinking heavily.
Magistrate Diana WebbHobson told Hackley: “These were very vulnerable people.
“We do not feel our sentence powers of no more than 12 months’ custody are sufficient.”