Former chairperson of County Derry playgroup stole more than £5,000 from bank account

A former chairperson of a County Derry playgroup who stole more than £5,000 from the organisation’s bank account has appeared before a local court. 

Patrick Adrian Butcher (53), of Drumavally, Limavady, appeared before Limavady Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Coleraine this morning (Wednesday) charged with theft. 

The charge relates to the theft of £5,250 belonging to Magilligan Community Playgroup between December 1 2023 and April 30 2024. 

The court heard that Butcher held the position of playgroup chairperson at the time and when the organisation decided to switch to online banking the defendant was the only person authorised to carry out transactions. 

The theft came to light when a playgroup member checked over a bank statement from 2023 and noticed transactions in December of that year which showed Butcher’s name as the benefactor. 

At that time Butcher was spoken to and he confirmed he had taken the money. 

Butcher apologised and stated that he would pay the money back.

In February 2024, the playgroup’s bank statements were checked to ensure the funds had been transferred back; however it was discovered that no payment had been made by Butcher. 

The defendant was contacted in relation to this and he claimed that the money had been ‘mistakenly sent to an unknown bank account’. 

A member of the playgroup committee visited Bank of Ireland in Coleraine in May 2024 when it was discovered that numerous transactions had been made to Butcher totalling £5,250. 

Butcher was subsequently removed from the online banking system and was asked to stand down as chairperson of the playgroup.

When he was interviewed by police, he told them that he had got himself into some financial difficulties and had needed the money to fix his car.

The court heard that Butcher repaid the money in full in August 2024 before he had even received a court summons.

A solicitor told the court that Butcher, who had worked as a volunteer with the playgroup for 15 years and was a committee member for nine years, had ‘breached that position of trust’.

He added that the father-of-six suffers from mental and physical health issues and is ‘deeply ashamed and deeply remorseful’.

The court heard that Butcher had a ‘previously good character’ and a reference that was before the court spoke highly of him.

The solicitor added that he will now have a ‘black mark’ against his reputation, especially in the local community.

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop described the offence as ‘extremely serious’ but said that he would give Butcher credit as he had accepted responsibility and had repaid the money before proceedings were even issued.

The judge sentenced Butcher to six months in prison, which he suspended for two years.

In addition he was fined £500.