A past council candidate has narrowly evaded a jail sentence after confessing to defrauding a community charity of £28,000. Daniel Turner, aged 39, who was preparing to stand for the North Louth seat in the Lincolnshire County Council elections, confessed to fraud by false representation and by abuse of position. As a manager of the Meridale Youth and Community Centre in Sutton on Sea, Turner was handed a two-year term in prison at Lincoln Crown Court, but this was suspended for two years. He must also perform 120 hours of community service.
The court was informed that between 2020 and 2022, Turner wired over £16,000 from Covid-19 grants into his personal bank account, and wrongfully claimed £12,000 which was destined for a dementia support group at the centre. This act of betrayal deeply upset the Meridale trustees, who explained that the charity, originally founded by the late John Monk MBE, had been severely affected by Turner’s actions.
In response to Turner’s actions, Judge Simon King labelled his conduct as ‘reprehensible’. However, he did also consider Turner’s remorse and potential for rehabilitation, and the possible challenges that it may bring to Turner’s children and ex-partner if he was imprisoned. After Turner admitted his guilt in Boston Magistrates’ Court back in March, his candidature was renounced, and his membership in the Reform UK party was suspended.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post, utilising original reporting from www.bbc.com.
