Fraudster spared jail over ‘Gazza sportsman’s dinner ’ that never happened
SALESMAN POCKETED CASH SUPPOSED TO BE PAID TO FOOTBALL CLUB
THE organiser of a sportman’s dinner featuring former England soccer star Paul Gascoigne, which never took place, has been spared jail.
Tristram Henry Lee admitted a charge of fraud when he appeared before magistrates at Caernarfon.
He was handed a 26-week prison term suspended for a year.
He must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation of £1,330 to Caernarfon Town Football Club and £200 costs.
The 36-year-old, of Bron Dinas, Llangefni, was commercial manager at the football club and was tasked with attracting sponsors and raising money.
The court heard he was given a target of £4,000 a month and would have earned commission.
Among activities proposed was the dinner with Paul Gascoigne due to have been held at the Celtic Royal, Caernarfon, in May last year.
It was reported at the time that the event was cancelled because a deposit had not been paid to the star’s agent.
Diane Williams, prosecuting, said Lee’s contract was terminated in February last year after club officials noticed the money raised fell short of what had been hoped to raise.
After Lee left the club, further inquiries revealed additional discrepancies and officials believed he was receiving money directly from companies.
She said statements obtained from a variety of local firms showed the money meant for the club had been paid into his own bank account.
Police found £1,330 had been paid in this way but Mrs Williams added it was believed further monies had been paid to Lee.
“This sum represents what police are able to prove had been paid directly to the defendant,” she said.
The monies included £250 paid by a woman for tickets to the sportsman’s dinner.
Defence solicitor Richard Williams said Lee realised he was charged with a serious offence and regretted what had happened.
“He accepts what he did was fraud,” Mr Williams said.
“He diverted money into his own personal account and used it for his own purposes.
“He ultimately expected to pay it all back.”
Lee, he added, was going through a difficult time in his life and had turned to drinking heavily and taking illegal drugs.
Announcing the sentence, bench chairman Sian Jones Evans said: “This offence has affected the whole community.
“Companies have entrusted their sponsorship money to the club and affected its standing and reputation.
“This has been a serious breach of trust.”
The court heard Lee, a salesman, has yet to pay any of the money back.