Chesterfield charity positive about future after former boss admits fraud

The current chief executive of a Chesterfield charity has said the organisation is ‘looking forward to a very positive future’ – after its former boss admitted a fraud offence.
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Anne Lunn, ex-chief executive of Ability, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position when she appeared at Derby Crown Court.

The court heard the 61-year-old, of Heaton Street, Chesterfield, ‘dishonestly abused’ her position while she was the charity’s chief executive ‘to make a gain for herself’.

Fraudster Anne Lunn was sentenced at Derby Crown Court.Fraudster Anne Lunn was sentenced at Derby Crown Court.
Fraudster Anne Lunn was sentenced at Derby Crown Court.
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“She authorised an increase to the employer contributions to her pension and a decrease to her own contributions without authority from the charity’s trustees,” according to a charge sheet released by the court.

She committed the fraud between September 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, the charge sheet stated.

Lunn received a nine-month prison term, suspended for a year.

She also received a five-year order banning her from acting as a company director.

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Following sentencing, Nathan Wood, the current chief executive of Ability, said: “The individual is no longer involved with the charity and hasn’t been for some time.

“We’re glad this is now all over and we can focus on the charity’s future.

“We are looking forward to a very positive future delivering vital and effective care within the local community.”

Ability – whose head office is based on Beresford Way – provides an adult day centre and respite care service for people with learning disabilities and autism.

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It received a ‘good’ rating in its latest Care Quality Commission inspection.

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