Friday, August 15, 2025 - A church and charity treasurer who defrauded both organisations out of £285,000 has been jailed for four years.
Terence Capstick, 75, exploited his trusted volunteer
positions at Winslow Parish Church and the Rogers Free Educational Trust in
Buckinghamshire to embezzle large sums of money over nearly five years.
Between January 2019 and October 2023, the pensioner stole
£163,600 from the church's account and £122,052 from the trust.
He was arrested by Thames Valley Police on March 19 and
charged on April 23.
He appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates' Court, where
he pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position.
Last week, Capstick of Winslow was jailed to four years
at Aylesbury Crown Court.
Detective Constable Ross Acland of the Central Fraud Unit
said: 'This is the correct result in this case, and an overwhelming amount of
evidence gathered by officers has assisted us in reaching this point.
'Capstick systematically abused the position of trust he was
placed in through greed and solely for personal gain.
'Over the course of more than four years, he has taken
community funds earmarked for good causes and used them to fund his own
lifestyle.
Central Fraud Unit Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn said: 'I
am very pleased to see the successful outcome of this case and the substantial
prison sentence passed on Capstick.
'This was a dishonest and selfish act which has had a
significant financial and emotional effect on the community.
'His guilty plea is a testament to the thorough
investigation by my Buckinghamshire Fraud Team.
'I hope this lengthy custodial sentence illustrates the
seriousness of fraud cases, which are often seen as a 'victimless crime' when
this is clearly not the case.
'Thames Valley Police will continue to pursue those
committing fraud within our communities and work tirelessly to ensure justice
for victims.'
The Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Revd Canon Dave Bull, said:
'We are very grateful for the work of Thames Valley Police and the Courts
service for bringing this regrettable case to justice.
'Fraud is a crime which has far-reaching consequences, not
least the financial viability of a parish, and we are glad to have the clarity
and certainty we needed regarding the actions of the former treasurer to St
Laurence, Winslow.
'We pray for the PCC, the parish, the community around the
church, and that the new team charged with managing our financial affairs will
continue to bring their expertise to our church.
'We also pray for rehabilitation and healing for the former
treasurer who was sentenced on 6 August.'
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