A FORMER boss who defrauded a charity of more than £700,000 has been given a seven year jail term.

John Briers, 57, of Woodstock Road, Gateshead, was found guilty of three counts of fraud by abuse of position and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday.

The court was told Briers, while working for Age Concern South Tyneside, stole a total of £708,499 by using fake invoices and banking unauthorised bonus and pension payments.

Detective Constable Nicholas Moses, of Northumbria Police, said: “Over a long period of time, John Briers systematically defrauded the charity for whom he worked and has shown few signs of remorse since the offences were uncovered.

“Leading up to the trial and during it, he has consistently attempted to divert the blame for his actions, but justice has now been served.

“He took money earmarked to look after some of the most vulnerable people in our society for his own, selfish gain.

“His greed has got the better of him.”