The former boss of a prominent Northern Ireland animal charity has avoided a prison sentence after being found guilty of fraud earlier this year.
Stephen Philpott (55), of Ashgrove Road, Newry, was sentenced to nine months suspended for two years at Newry Crown Court on Monday.
In September, Philpott admitted abusing his position by obtaining rental payments for a property owned by the charity in Bessbrook, Co Armagh.
It belonged to the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), of which Philpott was chief executive.
The offences took place over a seven-year period between January 2007 and November 2014.
Dressed in a dark suit and wearing black rimmed glasses, Philpott made no reaction as Judge Gordon Kerr QC issued the sentence and replied simply “yes, your honour” when asked if he understood.
During the brief sentencing hearing on Monday morning, Judge Kerr outlined that Philpott had been involved with the charity for 25 years and during his time as chief executive had been a “high-profile leader”.
Badger baiting
The judge said he accepted Philpott had at times placed himself at risk in that role by opposing illegal animal sports such as badger baiting.
Philpott was charged in relation to having obtained rental payments but "failed to account for the said payments and failed to bring notice of the said payments to the attention of the USPCA, with the intention, by means of the abuse of that position to make a gain for yourself or another or to cause loss to the USPCA or to expose the USPCA to a risk of a loss".
The court heard the rental income was £400 per month and the total amount unaccounted for over the offending period was £40,000.
That sum has since been repaid to the charity.
Philpott changed his plea to guilty in September ahead of a trial.
Judge Kerr said Philpott had accepted “with a degree of reluctance” that his activity had been fraudulent and assessed him as being at a “medium risk of reoffending”.
He described the main aggravating factors as being the abuse of position and taking money from a charity.
The judge said the custodial threshold had been met but took into account the guilty plea, that restitution had been achieved, several good character references and medical evidence that Philpott was suffering from a serious condition, details of which he said he would not disclose in court.
Following the summing up, Judge Kerr asked Philpott to stand before telling him he was sentencing him to nine months in prison, suspended for two years.
Philpott thanked the judge after being told he could leave.
Outside court, Philpott made no comment when approached by reporters as he departed.
Closure
Staff from the USPCA were also in court for the sentencing.
USPCA chairwoman Helen Wilson said the decision of the court “brings closure to a challenging period in the history of the USPCA, a respected and valued charity whose trust was ruthlessly abused by its most senior executive”.
“As chair I wish to thank all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of the offences,” she said.
“Their diligence was key to the events that culminated in today’s sentencing.
“We also owe a debt of gratitude to our members for their unwavering support.
“Throughout this lengthy process, the board, staff and volunteers of the USPCA continued to fulfil the charity’s pledge to protect and relieve the suffering of animals.
“Far from being distracted by events, several initiatives that significantly enhance the range of our charitable services were introduced.
“I look forward confidently today, in the knowledge that the USPCA is in good shape, under new leadership and focused on its core purpose - the protection of all animals.”