Veterans' sailing club finance chief stole £70k to fund cocaine and gambling addiction

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Howell, who had longstanding family ties to the club, used the money to fund her gambling, alcohol and cocaine addictions which developed after her divorce.

She pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at the historic club, which is supported by Princess Anne.

The fraud came to light when Howell's manager noticed she had received her salary payment two days early.

When questioned, Howell claimed it was an error, but this prompted further investigation into the club's finances.

The probe uncovered a series of suspicious transactions, including fake cash refunds to members and payments to suppliers that were actually being directed to Howell's accounts.

Prosecutor Catherine Flatt told the court that Howell had been employed at the club for nine and a half years, alongside other family members including her father, who serves as marina manager.

Commodore Rear Admiral Richard Stokes described a "sense of disbelief" when the fraud was discovered at the club.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, RAdm Stokes said: "Trust is at the heart of the military ethos, she was trusted to manage cash and bank transfers."

The Hornet Sailing Club was established in 1964 to provide sailing opportunities for Armed Forces veterans.

Based on the site of a former Second World War base HMS Hornet, the club operates a 200-berth marina in Gosport.

The non-profit organisation offers affordable sailing and socialising for veterans, particularly those who served in the Navy, with full membership costing £165 annually.

HRH The Princess Royal became the club's Royal patron in 2014 to mark their 50th anniversary.

The site holds historical significance, having previously served as a base for motor torpedo boats and gunboats patrolling the Channel during World War II.

While the club managed to withstand the financial loss, the ordeal caused particular anxiety among older members.

RAdm Stokes noted that many club members rely solely on their military pensions for income, with the organisation deliberately keeping paid staff numbers low to maintain affordability.

Defending Howell in court, Oliver Hirsch explained that her life had "fallen apart" following her divorce.

"Her life began to fall apart after her divorce, she became a heavy user of alcohol, cocaine and gambling," Hirsch told the court.

The defence explained that Howell had grown up with the sailing club and worked there for years without incident.

Hirsch said the fraud occurred when her account was near zero, describing it as a "stopgap solution."

The court heard that Howell has since taken steps to address her problems, having stopped gambling and achieved sobriety.

Judge William Ashworth said the crime was "severe" but "out of character" for Howell.

"Following your divorce and involvement with people who brought you within the sphere of addiction your personal life fell apart," the judge told her.

He acknowledged that taking from a club that had employed her family for years made the offence more serious.

Howell, from Gosport, received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for one year.

She was also ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of community service.

The court required her to pay prosecution costs of £85.