The CEO of Capern Limited, a lottery organization, Simon Leppington, received a prison sentence for misappropriating funds intended for charitable purposes. Tasked with donating over £250,000 to a foundation supporting Sheffield Hospital, he instead retained the sum, allocating it to cover various business expenses.
The UK Gambling Commission, responsible for ensuring the equitable operation of lotteries, conducted an investigation into Leppington’s activities, ultimately pursuing legal action. A judge handed down a three-month custodial sentence and mandated the repayment of a portion of the misappropriated funds.
Helen Venn, a director at the Commission, emphasized the importance of public trust in lottery proceeds reaching designated charities. She affirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to taking decisive action against any individual found to be mishandling funds intended for benevolent causes.
The gaming permit held by Capone was rescinded in December of 2020 following a probe into his commercial dealings by the Gaming Commission that triggered warnings. The Commission expressed anxieties that his enterprises might not be entirely legitimate, particularly citing Article 116 of the 2005 Gambling Act.