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Regulators

Founder of children’s cancer charity jailed for fraud

After an investigation by the Charity Commission, the founder and director of a former children’s cancer charity, Little Heroes Cancer Trust, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment for fraud and theft

The Charity Commission has welcomed the sentencing of 20 months’ imprisonment for Colin Nesbitt, the founder and director of a former children’s cancer charity, for theft and fraud.

An investigation by the regulator led to Nesbitt’s arrest and he was found guilty in March 2021 of stealing £87,000 from the charity and transferred £181,000 into a bank account in his name between July 2014 and May 2015.

The charity was created to assist children suffering with cancer and to provide support to their families, and received funding from the public and also featured on the Channel 4 programme Secret Millionaire.

Tim Hopkins, assistant director for investigations and inquiries at the Charity Commission, said: “The very serious criminal actions of Mr Nesbitt had devastating consequences, damaging the charity, its good work and name, as well as impacting significantly on the lives of those connected to it – including its former staff, volunteers and of course the children and their families who once benefitted from its services.

“The money the public generously donated to Little Heroes Cancer Trust was intended to make a crucial difference to children and their families and we understand why those who supported this charity will also feel let down by his actions.”

He added: “Through our work the Commission was able to help expose his criminal actions and I’m glad that some of the funds were recovered, which should go back to the causes they were intended for.”

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