Steven Shooter, 46, diverted funds meant to benefit students at Millthorpe School into his own bank account by sending out fraudulent invoices, York Magistrates' Court heard.
When he was involved in setting up South Bank Fair in 2016, he told York Press: "It was important to me that Millthorpe remains at the heart of the very close community it is a part of.”
He is a former city centre manager turned venue manager.
Shooter, of Melbourne Street, off Fulford Road, York, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation committed from June 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. The court heard he stole £6,053 from Millthorpe School.
Magistrates told him: “This was sophisticated, pre-planned and it was deliberate.”
They gave him a 30-week prison sentence which they suspended for two years on condition he does 200 hours’ unpaid work. He must also repay all the money he stole - £6,053 - and pay a statutory surcharge of £187 and £85 prosecution costs at £200 a month.
Leaving court he told The Press: “I regret my actions, and I regret that it was necessary.” He declined to say why he considered his fraud necessary.
A spokesperson for the school said: "We would like to thank the police for their action in this matter, which has been dealt with appropriately and fairly by the courts. This was an isolated incident, and it has not impacted our ability to provide a high-quality education to our pupils."
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