First Royal Court appearance for ex-JSPCA boss

Sunday 17 November 2019

The former boss of the JSPCA has reserved his pleas in relation to allegations that he falsely claimed pay rises and Christmas bonuses for himself and other employees as well as forging documents, at his first Royal Court appearance on Friday.

Major Stephen John Coleman (61) appeared in the Royal Court charged with 19 counts alleging significant fraudulent activity whilst he was in post as Chief Executive of the animal charity.

The lengthy indictment alleges that Major Coleman gave himself and other employees pay rises and Christmas bonuses higher than they were entitled to as well as forging documents relating to salary.

Major Coleman was represented by Advocate Lucy Marks who indicated that her client would be reserving his pleas.

Pictured: The charges relate to alleged misconduct whilst Major Coleman was Chief Executive of the JSPCA.

Crown Advocate Chris Baglin appeared for the prosecution.

Royal Court Commissioner Sir William Bailhache presided over the hearing, accompanied by Jurats Blampied and Hughes. 

Major Coleman will return to Court to enter his pleas to the charges on 29 November. He was remanded on conditional bail.