The ex-manager of an autism charity has been locked up after it was found she used more than £145,000 of the organisation’s funds in a spending spree.
Dawn Franklin, 47, has been convicted of fraud offences for using the charity’s cards without permission.
An investigation showed she had made purchases for holidays, electrical items, days out and concert tickets using the organisation's money.
She also used the cards for a series of fraudulent petty cash transactions.
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Franklin was in charge of organising trips to the seaside and theme parks, as well as residential trips within the UK and abroad, between 2011-2018 as regional play and leisure coordinator at Autism East Midlands.
Nottinghamshire Police say she used the funds to pay for a total of 14 holidays for family and friends.
Franklin covered her overspending by creating false invoices and fabricating the level of hours delivered to local authorities, which resulted in them being overcharged.
In November 2018, her fraudulent activity came to light following a meeting, which she did not attend, amid concerns around a contract she was entrusted with.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (January 14), Franklin, of Waterfields, Retford, was jailed for three years and four months.
She was charged with and pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position of trust, fraud by false representation and false accounting.
'Absolutely abhorrent' crimes targeted charity
Detective Constable Jason Jenkins, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Autism East Midlands do some incredible work, supporting adults and children with autism, providing them with opportunities and guidance as well as educating people on autism.
“During her time with the charity, Dawn Franklin held a significant position of trust and responsibility and it is absolutely abhorrent that she decided to abuse this for her own gain. No charity should be faced with this.
“Her actions had a huge effect on the charity, colleagues and people that they worked with, and it is really positive to see that the courts have recognised this and served her with a custodial sentence, which we hope will give her the opportunity to reflect on her actions."
DC Jenkins added: “We also want to offer our continued support to the charity during the conclusion of this case and hope that the sentencing offers some closure and reassurance as they continue their all-important work.
“We would urge anyone who thinks someone they know or work with might be committing fraud to get in touch.
"This robust action and result shows just how seriously we take this and we will work tirelessly with Action Fraud to bring those responsible to justice.”
Charity 'betrayed' by fraudster
Autism East Midlands said after Franklin was jailed that the organisation felt betrayed by her actions.
The charity's Chief Executive Officer said: "The Trustees and Senior Management Team of Autism East Midlands were shocked and distressed by the fraud conducted by Dawn Franklin.
"She betrayed her position of trust within the charity and the trust of the families she was employed to support.
"We are very glad that this has now come to a conclusion and that justice has been done.
"In the three years since this was discovered we have continued to grow the charity and support even more autistic people and their families.
"We are committed to ensuring Autism East Midlands remains a key source of help and advice for people of all ages on the autism spectrum."
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