A financial manager at a veterans’ sailing club embezzled £70,000 to support her addiction, leaving members in shock and disbelief
Gosport: A mother of two, Lyndsey Howell, defrauded a sailing club for veterans out of nearly £70,000. She did this to feed a gambling addiction that spiraled after her divorce.
Members of the Hornet Sailing Club, which has ties to Princess Anne, were left in disbelief. Howell had been their financial manager for a decade, and her betrayal hit hard.
Over 22 months, she faked supplier transfers and pretended to give cash refunds to members. It was a real shocker since she had been part of the club since childhood, with family connections there.
When the fraud came to light, Howell pleaded guilty to abusing her position. The judge handed her a suspended sentence, noting how she had let down a club she was so close to.
The Hornet Sailing Club, founded in 1964, offers affordable sailing for veterans. It’s a place where many find camaraderie and support, especially those on fixed incomes.
Howell’s fraud was discovered when her manager noticed she was paid early. This led to an investigation that uncovered a series of suspicious transactions.
The club’s Commodore expressed the emotional toll this has taken on members, especially the older ones who felt a deep sense of betrayal.
Howell’s defense highlighted her struggles after her divorce, which led her to alcohol and gambling. She’s now taking steps to turn her life around, having stopped gambling and gotten sober.
In the end, Howell received a 12-month suspended sentence, along with community service and rehabilitation. It’s a tough lesson learned for everyone involved.
