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Craig Dunn jailed for stealing money for cancer victim Kelly Turner

A callous thief has been branded "a parasite on society" after stealing money donated to help a teenage cancer victim.

Vile heroin addict Craig Dunn swiped a charity box with cash given to help the Kelly Turner Trust Fund, which is raising £1 million to pay for life-saving treatment in New York.

Now the father of the courageous teenager stressed that Kelly would die without that help.

Craig Dunn. Picture: Kent Police
Craig Dunn. Picture: Kent Police

The 25-year-old thief held his head in his hands as a judge heard how he had taken two charity boxes – and used the money to pay for drugs.

He was arrested after CCTV footage was shown on local TV and an off-duty police officer recognised Dunn.

Kelly’s father Martin later told police: “This situation just added to the pressure. Two years ago Kelly was given a two year prognosis.

“As her parents we are doing everything in our power to give our daughter the best treatment possible to beat this cancer.

“Taking this money in my mind is tantamount to murder, because without the money we can’t pay for the treatment...and without the treatment Kelly will die.”

Mr Turner said Dunn was "without soul or compassion" and had shown a disregard to those who had kindly donated money.

Dunn, of Westbury Road, Dover, has been jailed for a total of two years after admitting five thefts and frauds earlier this year.

Kelly Turner, October 2016
Kelly Turner, October 2016

The judge, Recorder Anthony Clover told him: “Kelly Turner is suffering from a form of cancer which is untreatable in the UK but treatment is available in the United States, at a cost of something in the region of £1 million.

“Her family was trying to raise the money by means of charity donations.

"Your desperate need to raise funds to feed your heroin habit has led you to become a parasite on society and to reach a new low point in stealing charity boxes.”

Prosecutor Robert de Banzie told Canterbury Crown Court told how Dunn had illegally received a stolen £200 Gucci purse with bank cards and then used cards to run up £417 worth of frauds in Ashford and Dover.

Dunn also stole £80 worth of alcohol and razor blades in July this year and on the same day he took a charity box from a bakers shop.

The prosecutor said in September, Dunn had gone to a restaurant in Dover and stole another charity box before shoplifting washing powder at Asda.

Dunn said he didn’t see which charity the collection was for – and had now written a letter of apology to the family.

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