BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, England (BN24) — A former church and charity treasurer who embezzled £285,000 over nearly five years has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Terence Capstick, 75, exploited his volunteer financial roles at Winslow Parish Church and the Rogers Free Educational Trust to siphon large sums of money for personal use between January 2019 and October 2023.
Authorities confirmed Capstick stole £163,600 from the church’s account and a further £122,052 from the charitable trust. His fraudulent activity went undetected for several years before Thames Valley Police arrested him on March 19. He was formally charged on April 23 and later pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court.
Last week, Aylesbury Crown Court handed down the four-year custodial sentence. The conviction follows what investigators described as a thorough and evidence-driven operation by the Central Fraud Unit.
“This is the correct result in this case,” said Detective Constable Ross Acland. “Capstick systematically abused the position of trust he was placed in through greed and solely for personal gain. Over more than four years, he has taken community funds earmarked for good causes and used them to fund his lifestyle.”
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn echoed the sentiment, highlighting the broader community damage: “This was a dishonest and selfish act which has had a significant financial and emotional effect on the community. I hope this lengthy custodial sentence illustrates the seriousness of fraud cases, which are often seen as a ‘victimless crime’ when this is clearly not the case.”
The Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Revd Canon Dave Bull, responded to the sentencing with a message of gratitude and hope. “We are very grateful for the work of Thames Valley Police and the Courts service for bringing this regrettable case to justice. Fraud is a crime which has far-reaching consequences, not least the financial viability of a parish,” he said.
He also expressed support for the parish and those affected, noting prayers for the congregation and the team now responsible for overseeing church finances. “We also pray for rehabilitation and healing for the former treasurer who was sentenced on August 6.”
Thames Valley Police emphasized their continued efforts to target financial crimes and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting community resources from abuse.
