A couple have appeared in court charged with defrauding almost £140,000 from a charity set up to help disabled and seriously ill children.
Scott Wright, 44, and Melissa Wright, 33, denied the charges against them at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Friday afternoon.
They each face a charge of fraud by abuse of position while being trustees of the Darren Wright Foundation between May 2012 and October 2018.
It is alleged at least £136,984.33 from the foundation’s bank account was withdrawn and put into the defendants’ personal bank accounts.
The defendants spoke only to confirm their name, address and date of birth, and to reply “not guilty” when the charge was read to them.
Prosecuting, Cathy Thornton said Scott Wright had set up the charity in 2012 to help the families of children with disabilities and serious illnesses access funding.
“The Crown say that funds were removed from the foundation contrary to the expectation of the families and others who had supported it,” she told the court.
She said the case should be dealt with at Bristol Crown Court, as the charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Giles Nelson, representing both defendants, agreed the case should be heard at the crown court.
Magistrates sent the case to Bristol Crown Court, where a hearing will take place on October 19.
Both defendants, of Leda Avenue, Bristol, were released on unconditional bail.
