Current timestamp: 28/03/2023 02:54:34
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

dyfed-powys-header-logo

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • How to tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website

Treasurer sentenced for fraud

Main article content

Navigation

Pembrokeshire

12:19 04/05/2021

An association treasurer has been handed a suspended jail sentence for stealing thousands of pounds intended for good causes.

Following a lengthy investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police, Lee Squelch, of Llanddewi Velfrey admitted four counts of fraud after defrauding the Pembrokeshire Bridleways and Byways Association out of more than £6,300.

The offences came to light in December 2018 when a report of theft was made by the association, which aims to improve access to bridleways while also raising money for a range of charities.

They reported issues with their treasurer – 37-year-old Squelch – who had failed to produce accounts for four years, and who they suspected had been stealing money.

Investigating officer Sergeant Gerwyn Davies said: “During this time, Bridleways had arranged a number of events believing the funds raised were being donated to a number of charities including the Wales Air Ambulance, Royal British Legion, RNLI, Greenacres Animal Rescue, Healing the Wounds, and Hive Youth Club in Haverfordwest.

“However it was established that while claiming he had made the relevant donations to these charities, Squelch had falsified invoices and paid the cheques to himself. He tried to cover this up by writing the charity names on the cheque stubs.

“In total, he had taken £6,300 from these deserving organisations.”

Despite denying the allegations throughout the investigation, Squelch entered a guilty plea at court on March 5 – such was the evidence compiled against him. He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, April 30 where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months. He must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and complete a rehabilitation course.

Sgt Davies added: “This was a long enquiry involving a number of witness statements, financial enquiries and court orders, which was made more difficult by Squelch’s continual denial of the offences.

“With a number of charities struggling through the Covid-19  pandemic, this money could have – and should have – been used for a number of benefits including funding life-saving devices, equipment for children to enjoy at youth club, or helping to care for rescued animals.”

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Dyfed-Powys Police

  • Contact us
  • Find a police station
  • Your area
  • Careers
  • About us
  • News
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookies
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention advice
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Stats and data
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Police and Crime Commissioner
  • Police.uk
  • Ask the police

Language

  • Cymraeg

Follow us on

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.