Man pleads guilty to online fundraiser fraud
Alexander Shayler appeared in Highbury Magistrate's Court today
Thursday, 24th August 2023 — By Anna Lamche
Leila Roy.
A MAN who set up a fundraiser to support the bereaved son of a friend has pleaded guilty to fraud after using the proceeds for his own gain.
Alexander Shayler, 32, appeared at Highbury Magistrates court today (Thursday) where he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.
The court heard Mr Shayler helped to set up an online fundraiser following the death of the popular former Conservative councillor for Belsize ward, Leila Roy.
Ms Roy passed away suddenly aged 39 in February 2021 from a heart condition. Her son, Anton, was 16 at the time of her death.
Mr Shayler set up a GoFundMe page in the aftermath of her death.
The fundraiser aimed to “cover the immediate costs of Leila’s sudden and tragic passing and to create a trust fund for her son to ensure that her dreams and hopes for him can continue.”
The campaign raised £17,000. After Ms Roy’s funeral had been paid for and other outstanding costs cleared, the remaining balance was due to be paid to Anton on his 18th birthday.
The court heard it was Mr Shayler’s responsibility to “safeguard” the remaining balance until that point.
The court heard that when Anton turned 18 earlier this year, it became apparent that Mr Shayler had used the remaining funds, worth just over £9000, to buy “items for yourself, not limited to alcohol”.
Mr Shayler did not speak in court other than to enter his guilty plea.
His solicitor told the court he had paid the amount back in full and “put his hands up at the earliest opportunity” when questioned by police, but acknowledged: “He was in a position of responsibility and he abused that”.
Judge Brennan, who presided over the hearing, referred Mr Shayler to Wood Green Crown Court for sentencing. A date for the sentencing has yet to be set.
