Animal Rescue Worker Jailed Over £190,000 Charity Fraud
Chris Tucker, an animal rescue worker, has been found guilty of ripping off nearly £190,000 in public donations to buy his own home. After a five-day trial at Lewes Crown Court, the 60-year-old was convicted of fraud by a jury on Friday, October 6th.
Charity Cash Used to Fund Personal Property
The money was originally raised to protect 123 animals and was supposed to be managed by an independent trust. Instead, Tucker diverted the funds to buy out his ex-partner, gaining sole ownership of the property on Chantry Avenue, Bexhill.
Police launched their investigation in 2019 after allegations surfaced that Tucker had duped donors by promising the property would be transferred to a charity trust once enough funds were raised. Detective Constable Jake O’Reilly told the court:
“In November 2019, Sussex Police were contacted after Tucker promised to hand over his property to a trust if sufficient funds were raised. Upon hitting the target, he acted dishonestly and took full control for himself.”
Long Investigation Uncovers Deceit
The probe, stretching from 2019 to 2023, uncovered Tucker’s web of lies to witnesses, local media, and on social platforms. Financial records and Land Registry data confirmed he used the charity donations to secure a mortgage-free home, leaving the sanctuary without proper legal protection or trust oversight.
Lead investigator Peters said:
“This was a complex fraud involving large sums from well-meaning donors who were misled about how their money would be used. I’m pleased justice has been done.”
Suspended Sentence and Property Handover Ordered
Sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on March 28th, Tucker received a 21-month prison sentence suspended for two years, alongside a 10-week overnight curfew and 10 days of rehabilitation activities.
Crucially, he must hand over half of his Chantry Avenue property to a local wildlife charity upon its sale, ensuring the stolen funds eventually go back to the animals they were meant to help.
