The head of a charity that was the victim of a Kent fraudster says she is disappointed he was not locked up.

Gary Ferris, 38, from Sweet Bay Crescent in Ashford was sentenced last week after he previously admitted fraudulently claiming money meant for Hopes and Dreams.

He had organised race nights in aid of the charity which helps terminally ill children but pocketed the cash himself.

He was handed a six month prison sentence suspended for two years and 180 hours of unpaid community work by Canterbury Crown Court on Friday.

Ruth Salahi, the chairman of Hopes and Dreams, believes he should have been locked up like people guilty of similar crimes.

She said: “This money would have gone to children who are terminally and critically ill for some of them their last dreams. It’s abhorrent. You can’t think someone would do should a thing.”

The charity has now put a warning on its website against unauthorised collectors and is urging other organisations to look at how their money is raised.

Ruth Salahi said: “We’re a bit wiser now and I hope everyone else is too.”