Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a woman has been jailed for defrauding a community social club charity and village association charity out of more than £155,000.

Charlotte Young, aged 45, of Griffin Lane, Aylesbury, was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Amersham Crown Court on Friday (8/5).

Young pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by employee.

Between 2015 and 2023, Young was working as a Treasurer and Accountant for the Long Crendon Community Social Club and Long Crendon Village Association, when she took £125,681.92 from the social club’s account, and £29,498.41 from the village association’s account.

She was arrested on 19 October 2023 and charged 21 October 2025.

Detective Constable, Stephanie Mason of the Central Fraud Unit, said: “Young had a previous conviction for fraud and went on to commit further offences in a similar manner, evidently believing she would evade detection.

“These offences spanned an eight-year period and had a significant impact on a community that had dedicated their time and effort to raising funds for charitable causes. The custodial sentence imposed is, in my view, wholly appropriate and serves as a clear reminder that such actions carry serious consequences.”

Central Fraud Unit Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn said: “I am pleased with this conviction which comes after Young pleaded guilty following a thorough and extensive investigation by DC Stephanie Mason and the Buckinghamshire Fraud Team.

“The sentence reflects the severity of the offences whereby Young systematically exploited the position of trust she was placed into and stole over £150,000 of money which was raised by the community for charitable purposes.

“These selfish acts have left a huge whole in much needed community funds. Young showed complete disregard for this and covered her tracks well enough to be able to live a lavish lifestyle on these ill-gotten gains for 8 years.

“I hope that the sentence imposed will act as a deterrent to others and demonstrate our commitment to pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice on behalf of victims.

“Thames Valley Police will use all proceeds of crime powers available to ensure as much of the stolen money as possible can be returned to the victim and will ensure Young is stripped of any assets and financial benefit she acquired using stolen funds.”