A charity volunteer has been sentenced after abusing her position as treasurer – defrauding them out of more than £56,000.
Carol Rendell pleaded guilty to stealing the funds from Wharf Theatre while volunteering between May 2019 and February 2024.
At Salisbury Crown Court on 30 January, it was heard that she credited herself and her husband with money taken from the theatre’s account – totalling £56,441.70.
The defendant, of Orchard Gardens, Melksham, attempted to conceal her actions, including by providing incorrect financial accounts.
She was sentenced to a two year prison sentence suspended for two years. She was also ordered to complete 12 rehabilitation activity days.
A victim impact statement, written on behalf of the theatre and read out in court, described the significant consequences of the offence.
It said: “The Wharf Theatre has suffered a considerable financial blow because of this crime. We are now at a point where repairs to our building cannot be made without sourcing further funding. This has proven increasingly difficult due to the financial uncertainty we are now facing.
“We are forced to weigh the pros and cons of paying a higher rent for a lease, that would in theory, allow us to seek more funding – funding we were once confident we would not need for situations such as repairs.
“This situation has created pressure within the management committee who are working tirelessly to deliver on the charity’s core mission. Our ability to continue to provide a platform for other artists and performers now must be more carefully weighed as we cannot risk a loss.”
The statement continued: “Due to the financial strain, we are no longer able to make cosmetic improvements that were once essential for maintaining the theatres’ appearance and making it inviting for our community.
“Every penny is now being carefully considered and instead of making enhancements to the building we are force to rebuild our reserve funds to ensure our survival. In addition, we no longer have reserve to future-proof our technical equipment.
“This not only affects the future of the theatre but also diminishes the overall experience we are able to offer out audiences and performers.”
The emotional impact on volunteers was also highlighted.
The statement said: “What is more upsetting is the personal impact. The personal impact on all of us within the theatre community has been profound.
“The Wharf Theatre is not just a place of work, but a community run by volunteers. We share a common passion for the Arts and for creating a welcoming environment for all who walk through our doors. This crime has shattered the trust we so carefully cultivated.
“For one of our own committee members, who was once a respected and beloved figure at the theatre, to have exploited that trust is deeply hurtful.”
It added: “We had supported Carol in many aspects of her life, and to learn that she abused her position within the theatre is both heartbreaking and shocking.
“For a space that strives to provide connection and friendship, this betrayal is felt deeply by each member of the committee.”
The statement also raised concerns about the theatre’s reputation within the wider community.
It said: “As Carol was a well-known volunteer, her actions have inevitably impacted the trust the community had in us.
“During the difficult period of Covid-19 closures, the Wharf Theatre relied heavily on the generosity of our local community, who donated to ensure our survival. It is painful to think that this betrayal may have caused damage to that relationship and reputation, which we have worked so hard to maintain.”
It concluded: “In conclusion, this crime has had broad consequences, not just in terms of finances, but on the personal relationships and trust within our theatre community. The effects of this will continue to be felt for a long time to come.”
Wiltshire Police Local Crime Investigator Shonna O’Harney said: “The Wharf Theatre is a valued asset to the community of east Wiltshire and they rely on the generosity of the community in order to continue their valuable work.
“The impact of Rendell’s actions have been felt deeply and widely.
“I would like to thank the volunteers at the Wharf Theatre for bringing this offence to us. We know that it will take a long time for the community to recover.”
