Church conman will pay £1 back on £525k charity fraud
An accountant who swindled £525,000 out of a church and charity to refurbish his home, pay off debts and help save his failing business is to repay just £1, a court has ordered.
Stephen Methuen was a volunteer treasurer and accountant for the Amblecote Christian Centre in Stourbridge and the Christian International Relief Mission. He took the cash over a six year period.
Last month the 57-year-old started a five-year jail term for his crimes – but yesterday Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that as he had 'no available assets', a nominal offer of £1 was to be paid under the proceeds of crime act.
His solicitor, Mr John Attwood said he was "grateful" to the court.
Pastor Adrian Lowe, of Amblecote Christian Centre, said while he understood and anticipated the decision, he found it very sad.
"It is our hope that his time in custody leads him to demonstrating true remorse for his crimes," he said.
"Even though we are unlikely to see the recovery of the stolen funds, we are greatly encouraged by the continuous generous giving of our members, who have remained loyal during this very difficult period."
Pastor Lowe said they would be continuing to support his now estranged wife and her children, who knew nothing of his crimes.
Over a six year period, it was found he had taken in the region of £400,000 from the church and more than £100,000 from the charity, based in Stourbridge.
Methuen, of Smalman Close, Wordsley, and formerly of Whittington Road, Norton, admitted 16 counts of fraud.
