From Trust to Betrayal: Four Transactions. £31,000 Stolen.

A trusted employee at a North East charity has admitted stealing more than £31,000 after transferring the money from the charity’s accounts into her own bank account.

Faye Dent, 39, of Canon Grove in Jarrow, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

Between September 23 and December 12, 2024, Dent made four transfers totalling £31,493 from the Reece Foundation into her own bank account.

The money was supposed to support communities across the North East. When confronted, she immediately resigned from her role as grants manager.

Prosecutor Chike Anieto told the court the transfers were made using her position at the charity.

A Legacy for Young Engineers

The Reece Foundation was set up in 2007 by respected North East engineer and businessman Dr Alan Reece. He wanted to inspire young people through education in engineering, maths, and physics, and to promote manufacturing in the region.

Dr Reece started as an apprentice at Vickers-Armstrong in Newcastle, later became a lecturer at Newcastle University, and went on to run Pearson Engineering, which created specialist equipment for the defence industry.

After his death in 2012 at the age of 85, his daughter Anne Reece took over as chair of the family trust. The foundation continues to support engineering projects and recently backed plans to clean up and regenerate the Ouseburn river area with new wildlife habitats, cycle paths, and walkways.

“Deeply Disappointed”

Anne Reece said the family was saddened by the betrayal.

“We are deeply disappointed by this breach of trust,” she said. “As soon as concerns were identified, we reported the matter to the police and cooperated fully with their investigation. We have since strengthened our financial controls.”

She added that no public money was involved and that the foundation remains committed to its work supporting engineering, manufacturing, and environmental projects in the North East.

Dent appeared emotional in court, crying and shaking as she entered her guilty plea.

District Judge Kate Meek decided the case was too serious for magistrates’ court and sent it to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing next month. She granted Dent bail in the meantime.

The case has left many in the local community shocked, as the Reece Foundation has built a strong reputation for doing good in the region.