A treasurer who swindled almost £250,000 in VAT refunds to get his teeth fixed has been jailed.
Peter Male acted for Westonzoyland Sports Pavilion Project, Bristol Crown Court heard.
But the court was told he submitted VAT refunds on the basis of fake renovation work, and directed some £247,760 to his personal bank accounts.
Male, 63, of Grays Avenue in Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, pleaded guilty to six charges of being knowingly concerned with the evasion of VAT between June 2013 and October 2019.
Judge Julian Lambert jailed him for 12 months.
He told Male: "The fraud was hardly sophisticated.
"You are respected and admired by many people in the community.
"This was utterly out of character.
"You are of good character and have done positive good work helping others and good causes in the past.
"You made a terrible error and it comes as a considerable cost to you."
A hearing under the Proceeds of Crime act will be heard later to retrieve Male's ill-gotten gains.
Derek Perry, prosecuting, said Male claimed the VAT refunds and officers from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) asked to see work done on the pavilion.
Mr Perry told the court: "Mr Male told them he was not the key holder.
"They went to the pavilion, looked over the fence and could see no renovation work completed.
"Later on they entered the building and no renovation work was completed."
When Male was interviewed in March last year he made full admissions, saying he used the money to fund dental work after an accident when he was younger.
Male said: "I'm generally a nice person. I recognise what I've done is not right.
"There was temptation there.
"I have to admit I failed."
Kevin Hopper, defending, said his client had suffered mental health difficulties and his embarrassment, shame and remorse was genuine.
Mr Hopper said: "There's no sophistication.
"Its beauty is in its simplicity.
"It is simply submitted claims for VAT to be repaid."
As he was sent down Male told the judge: "Thank you sir."
The judge replied: "Not at all."
