Chloe Campion, a 33-year-old mother from Trafford, has been convicted of fraud after stealing over £28,000 from a vulnerable woman under her care to fund her gambling addiction. The victim, who has Down Syndrome and dementia, relied on staff and supported accommodation at charity Imagine, Act and Succeed, where Campion worked as a service leader.
The court heard that Campion had initially been given access to the victim’s bank card to make a purchase on her behalf, but over a four-month period, she repeatedly used the card to withdraw a total of £28,523. The matter came to light after an anonymous letter was sent to the deputy head of the company, revealing Campion’s theft and gambling problem.
During the investigation, Campion admitted to using the victim’s bank card and stated her intention to repay the stolen amount. Her defense attorney, Hannah Forsyth, attributed Campion’s actions to a gambling addiction, which she developed following a series of traumatic events, including the birth of her first child, her partner’s cancer diagnosis, the closure of her workplace, and the death of her grandfather.
The court was informed that Campion has since undergone cognitive behavioral therapy and regularly attends Gamblers Anonymous meetings to address her addiction. Despite her remorse and efforts at rehabilitation, she was handed a suspended prison sentence of 18 months, along with further requirements, including completing 30 days of rehabilitation activity and abiding by a three-month curfew.
Recorder Imran Shafi KC expressed disappointment in Campion’s actions, stating that she had breached the victim’s trust and failed to provide the care and compassion the victim needed. However, he also acknowledged Campion’s remorse, repayment of some of the stolen funds, and her responsibilities as a mother, which factored into the decision to suspend her prison sentence.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Campion was ordered to repay the remaining £11,657 at a rate of £400 per month and to attend women’s problem-solving court. Despite her remorse and efforts at rehabilitation, the court made it clear that such crimes against vulnerable individuals would not be tolerated.
