THIS is the disgraced charity worker who admitted stealing more than £25,000 from the town's dedicated homeless support service.

Adrian Pearson, 46, was told he had committed a serious abuse of trust after stealing cash from Launchpad, the charity which aims to homelessness in Reading.

The former finance manager admitted dipping into charity funds and syphoning them into his own personal bank account.

On the first occasion, he swiped £13,769.77 from the charity's coffers.
Six months later, in May 2017, he stole another £12,050.69.

Pearson admitted two counts of fraud at Reading Magistrates' Court today (Thursday) and was set to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court at a later date.

The exact technique used by Pearson was not specified in court, but district judge Russell was told that he knew what he was doing.

Prosecuting, Mrs Sawyer-Brandish said: "He has abused the trust of the charity.

"He made admissions in an email, that he had been taking that money and using that money himself.

"This is a serious matter. This is a serious amount of money.

"Both of the charities were due money and raised the issue.

"I am told that the issue reported was that the charities had not received their money that was promised to them.

"It was clear that a cheque had been made, but this cheque was made to his own personal account and not to the account of the charity."

Defending, Simon Hammudi explained that his client had fully admitted the charges and co-operated with police.

He said: "Pearson fully admitted the charges when police came to his house.

"He offered them bank statements and fully admitted the offences."

It was determined that Pearson could not be sentenced at Magistrates Court, and was therefore sent to Crown Court for sentencing.

District judge Russell said: "He has abused the trust of the charity, and this is a major abuse of trust.

"The starting point for his sentence is well above the threshold for what we are able to do at a Magistrates Court, and for that reason you must be sent to Reading Crown Court for sentencing."

Pearson was granted unconditional bail and will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court at a later date.

A spokesman for Launchpad claimed they were shocked and angry at hearing Pearson's theft.

A statement read: "Launchpad Reading is shocked, angry and saddened to report the theft of £25,820 from the charity.

"The theft was uncovered after an internal investigation and reported to the Police and Charity Commission. 

"The court was informed Launchpad Reading have recovered all of the £25,820 plus costs and interest.

"The vulnerable Reading people we support remain our utmost priority, helping them to have their own home and the opportunity for a positive future. We are grateful for the incredible support from the Reading community.

"Unfortunately we are unable to comment further at this time."