Dion Darley was treasurer at Quackers after-school club in Maidstone

by Paul Hooper

A Maidstone after-school club - whose funds were plundered by its cheating treasurer of more than £31,000 – is to get back just £800.

Financial experts had hoped that they could recoup money from any sale of devious Dion Darley’s home.

But a Proceeds of Crime Act investigation revealed that the house in Lushington Road in Maidstone was in negative equity – and the 41-year-old’s only asset was her £800 car.

The former treasurer of the Quackers Club – who is serving a 14-month jail term – has been told to pay the money within three months or risk another 28 days inside.

Earlier this year she admitted a five-year long fraud of the club, which leased rooms at North Borough Junior School.

Judge James O'Mahony told her at the time: "This was a serious breach of trust.

"It was a concerted course of conduct from a small, charitable institution. When people cheat and steal, there are real victims - the public, the after-school club and the employees."

Canterbury Crown Court, where the case was heard

Donna East, prosecuting, told Canterbury Crown Court the club looked after children who had finished school until their parents were ready to collect them. Darley handled the money as its treasurer.

In May last year, club administrator Amanda Witts went to the NatWest bank to look at the accounts because she had become frustrated with Darley, who was not giving her access to them.

Mother-of-one Darley later claimed she had run into financial problems after her husband left her and moved to Australia in 2002, leaving her with a £900-a-month mortgage to pay.

Miss East added: "She was short of money and wrote out one cheque to herself and then realised she could get away with it.

"She said she took the money to survive. The likelihood is that the after-school club will now have to fold."

Louise Oakley, defending, said Darley was suffering from financial pressures, but did not want to ask for help from family and friends, she said.

"She was living beyond her means to the tune of £300 per month and she deeply regrets not seeking help or advice.

"This money, however, was not used to fund an extravagant lifestyle.”