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Former Swale sports chief James Thatcher facing £8,000 fraud charges

Swale's former sports development manager James Thatcher
Swale's former sports development manager James Thatcher

A former top council worker is to appear in court in relation to alleged theft and frauds totalling nearly £8,000.

As Swale's sports development manager, James Thatcher was a well-known face in the borough's sporting community.

The 46-year-old is due before Maidstone magistrates on October 15 accused of four counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of theft.

It is understood the allegations concern several clubs and associations from across the borough.

Police were called last December when concerns were first raised regarding money allegedly going missing.

Thatcher was arrested and released on police bail until last Wednesday, when he was officially charged.

Swale council has declined to comment on the allegations.

But in a statement, council chief executive Abdool Kara said: "The majority of our staff work with the utmost dedication and the highest of professionalism that our customers rightly should expect.

"We will not tolerate anyone who abuses their position of trust within the council, and we will take action where appropriate, supporting any public prosecution where there is the evidence to do so.

"This matter is now with the courts and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the legal process is complete."

Keith Brown was a long-standing magistrate in Maidstone
Keith Brown was a long-standing magistrate in Maidstone

The father-of-three, who lives in Premier Way, Kemsley, is a former manager of Sheppey Leisure Complex and was instrumental in various sporting initiatives across Swale.


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