IN sending their children to Scout groups, parents put their trust in the volunteers in the organisations.

That’s why they’ll be shocked to read about Colin Arter – jailed for helping himself to £18,200 of the charity’s money.

Not only did he con the Oxfordshire Scouts into putting thousands of pounds in his bank account – money he said was being used as a deposit for Thame Showground to host a major event.

He also admitted siphoning off a further £3,600 from the ticket sales takings.

For a group that relies on donations, the loss of £18,200 was a huge blow.

Arter was told it was a “grotesque breach of trust” and the public and those affected, can have some peace of mind that justice has been done. Jailing him for 14 months, Recorder John Bate-Williams told the 42-year-old, who was the deputy district commissioner for Oxfordshire, he set a “terrible example” and brought shame on himself and on the charity he worked for.

Just like charity director Saeeda Imaan, who pocketed more than £11,000 meant for vulnerable young asylum seekers and refugees, Arter’s actions threaten the reputations of all those who do a fantastic job for good causes.

Let’s hope that people see through the wrongdoings of individuals and continue to support the work the many volunteers do for our communities.