UK Church Treasurer Who Led A ‘Christian Lifestyle’ Stole Thousands

AS A result of its treasurer’s dishonesty St James Church in New Barnet in north London lost more than £130,000 over the course of five years.

Craig McCulloch. Image via City of London Police

But treasurer Craig McCulloch’s thievery didn’t stop with the church. According to this report, the 34-year-old also stole £287,000 from south London-based young person’s charity XLP and almost £38,000 from the Oasis College of Higher Education in Kennington, also in south London, while he was working in their accounting departments.

The church vicar, Reverend Laura Jane Hewitt, said the community has been left with a “sense of shock and betrayal of trust” as a result of McCulloch’s fraud. She said:

We identify with the other charities who have been damaged by Craig McCulloch’s actions.

McCulloch was jailed at Southwark crown court yesterday (Thursday) for three years, after admitting four counts of fraud by abuse of position.

City of London Police said he “squandered” most of the stolen money on fast food takeaways, eBay purchases and rental cars.

Said Detective Constable Mark Baker, from the City of London Police’s fraud team:

McCulloch is one of the most devious individuals I have ever dealt with. He stole charity and church donations and used them for his own personal gain. He presented an image of someone caring, involved in his local community, leading a Christian lifestyle, and being generous with his money.

His actions have left many people feeling shocked and deceived.

The fraud he has committed has impacted the charities concerned in different ways, with some struggling to fund important services they would normally provide.

McCulloch used his access to the bank accounts of the charities to make payments to himself, disguising them with similar names to genuine suppliers.

He then amended the company records and accounting system to cover his track, the police said.

He volunteered as treasurer of his local church between September 2013 and December 2018 and used his position to funnel money out of the official bank account.

Hewitt said the church has now “strengthened our internal checks” and reported the fraud as a serious incident to the Charity Commission.

I am confident that past lessons have been learnt and look forward to the next chapter for the church. Now that justice has been done, we hope and pray that Craig himself will seek to put his life right and find a fresh start.

Regrettably, we are unlikely to see restitution of the money lost, but as we come to terms with that, we are closer to each other than before.

Hat tip: Robert Stovold