‘I’m no fraudster’ claims cancer charity fraud publican

In June 2018, defendant Jason Staff raised £1,003.35 from putting on a charity group head shaving event and barbecue for Macmillan Cancer Support at his pub in Norwich. 

However, Macmillan confirmed it never received the outstanding amount from the endowment, but the defendant denied charges that he kept the funds for himself.

No fraudster​

According to the Eastern Daily Press​, the defendant said at Norwich Magistrates’ Court that the event “did take place” and claimed he had sent a cheque off to the charity but had not been received.

He also told the court he was “no fraudster” and that he didn’t “need the money” because he already had two pubs.

However, Staff, who owns the Robin Hood on Mousehold Street in Norwich, was found guilty of the offences.

Sentencing has been adjourned until 26 March while he is remanded on unconditional bail.

Vigorously pursue​

Macmillan Cancer Support counter fraud manager Bob Browell said: “It is vital that the public, who so generously support our work, are confident their donations are used as intended to help people living with cancer.

“We will continue to vigorously pursue action against any deliberate abuse of the public’s trust and support for our work.  

“In our 100-plus years of managing millions of pounds in donations from the public, fraud is extremely rare but we have robust systems and processes in place to prevent and identify wrongdoing and take appropriate action.”