Shame of Lee charity trickster
A FRAUDSTER is facing jail for pocketing charity funds raised for the son of murdered Lee Rigby.
Gary Gardner, 56, raised thousands of pounds which had been meant for the family of the tragic fusilier.
But he then transferred the funds into his account before blowing the money on recording a “flop” music single with his band.
He raised at least £24,000 from two truck-pull events in Market Harborough, Leics, but not a penny was donated to Fusilier Rigby’s eight-year-old son Jack.
As well as the flop record, he also used the funds to clear his overdraft.
Gardner, of Medbourne, Leics, was convicted of two counts of fraud at Leicester Crown Court. He will be sentenced today.
Jack was just two when his dad Lee was murdered in May 2013 by Islamic extremists in London.
Gardner had vowed to raise enough money to set Jack up “for life” with celebrity-led events.
But Lee’s widow Rebecca said she had not received any money from the events.
She told the court: “I thought the money was for Jack and a portion was for local charities. I have not received any money.”
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