Founder stole nearly £20,000 from Rickmansworth animal charity

The founder of an animal charity stole nearly £20,000 from it to pay off his son’s drug debts.

Christopher Wicks set up CW Wildlife 10 years ago in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, to care for injured and sick wildlife.

Wicks, 68, began taking the money in August 2021, St Albans Crown Court heard.

Wicks, who had previously pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and the prosecution, said he intended to pay the money back.

Prosecutor John Burke said the former van driver and London Zoo volunteer admitted transferring the cash after being challenged by the treasurer and another trustee.

In all, £19,410 was taken. The charity, which was based at Stockers Farm and had six trustees, 70 volunteers and a £60,000 budget, is now closed.

Asked by Judge Francis Sheridan if he intended to repay the money, Wicks replied: “I would like to try.”

He said he was receiving a state pension of £800 a month and had no savings.

The court heard he had a heart condition and was unsuitable for unpaid work.

The judge told him: “You weren’t doing your son any favours.

“You were defrauding the charity you started, to pay for your son’s illegal drugs.

“A more stupid, idiotic thing to do is hard to imagine. You have thrown away your fine reputation. It is a tragedy.”

The judge said he must pay £4,600 compensation to the charity at a rate of £100 a month.

He must also abide by a night-time curfew for the next eight weeks.