Scots couple masterminded £25k voucher fraud stealing coupons issued for struggling families

A Scottish couple has been found guilty of orchestrating a £25,000 voucher fraud scheme, targeting vouchers intended for struggling families. Donna Baillie, aged 44, and Stephen Kelly, aged 45, were identified as the masterminds behind the scam at housing organisation The Wheatley Group in Glasgow in January 2022. Baillie, an office worker at the organization, managed to obtain vouchers issued by the company meant to assist tenants during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly those with pre-payment meters. These vouchers, designed to be redeemed at supermarkets, were sent to residents’ mobile phones to top up pre-paid fuel cards, with the option to exchange them for cash in exceptional circumstances.

The fraudulent activities came to light when Baillie and Kelly were caught on CCTV footage cashing in the vouchers for themselves at supermarkets such as Asda. Following an internal audit by the company, the duo was promptly dismissed from their positions at The Wheatley Group. Both individuals pleaded guilty to embezzling £25,000 from the company at Glasgow Sheriff Court. During sentencing, Baillie’s defence lawyer, Paul McCormick, informed the court that his client has secured new employment and is willing to repay £300 per month. Similarly, Kelly’s lawyer, Bob McDowall, stated that his client, who holds two jobs, can also repay an identical amount.

Addressing the seriousness of the offence, Sheriff Lesley Dowdalls ordered Baillie and Kelly to compensate their former employers with £5,000 each. Additionally, the pair received a sentence of 270 hours of unpaid work and two years of supervision. They were also made to wear electronic tags for six months, restricting their movements between 7 pm and 6 am. Despite acknowledging that the custodial threshold had been crossed, Sheriff Dowdalls opted for an alternative punishment considering the defendants’ financial circumstances. She emphasized the severe breach of trust by the couple towards their employer and expressed disappointment at the lack of substantial compensation offered by them.

In summary, Baillie and Kelly’s fraudulent actions not only betrayed the trust of their employer but also deprived struggling families of vital assistance during challenging times. The consequences of their deceitful behaviour have resulted in legal sanctions, highlighting the importance of upholding honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the significance of ethical conduct and accountability, especially when entrusted with the welfare of others.