The bosses of Bradford City Farm today spoke of their anger as its former treasurer was jailed for six months for stealing £12,000 from the charity.

Bradford Crown Court heard that 26-year-old Matthew Allan stole £12,753 over a 12-month period by writing bogus cheques to suppliers.

Allan, of Leaventhorpe Lane, Fairweather Green, Bradford, admitted seven offences of theft and asked for 26 others to be taken into consideration.

After the case, Ben Wray, chairman of the Bradford City Farm Management Committee, said: "It's a matter of regret that Mr Allan has still refused to offer us any recompense, regret or apology for his criminal activities.

"We feel a deep sense of betrayal and disgust at his cowardly, devious and dishonest activities."

Mr Wray said steps had been taken to prevent a similar occurrence.

"The financial systems in place at the farm were redeveloped eight months ago when we launched the investigation," he said. "We are confident that the new procedures will stop any likelihood of any further fraud at Bradford City Farm."

In court, Jonathon Gibson, prosecuting, said Allan was treasurer for three years with the charity which gives opportunities for children to work on a farm in the city.

Its income came from Council and other grants and donations, and it had an annual turnover of £30,000 to £40,000.

Allan kept records on his computer at home. In April this year the manager checked the records and found that larger amounts than expected had been paid to suppliers. Cheques were found to have been made out to cash when the stubs indicated payments to suppliers.

Allan was arrested in July and told the police exactly what had happened, said Mr Gibson. Some of the cheques had been made out to his landlord to pay his rent.

Roger Thomas, mitigating, said Allan had not led the life of Riley and the money had not benefited him personally.

Jailing Allan, Judge Gerald Coles QC said there was no evidence he had used the money in an extravagant or excessively stylish way.

But he added: "I would be failing in my duty to the public if I did not impose a custodial sentence."

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