Published: Thursday, 6th May, 2010 10:16am

Charity conman

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By Ewan McInnes

SICK: Daniel Tams

A BARRHEAD charity has hit out at a fraudster employee who stole thousands of pounds from them.

Greedy Daniel Tams worked as a project co-ordinator for ENABLE Scotland in the town.

The thief, who admitted the embezzlement, escaped jail last week and was handed a community service alternative at Paisley Sheriff Court.

ENABLE has said it is unlikely that Tams will be employed by any charity ever again.

And a spokeswoman revealed the theft of £2,000 could have caused major problems for the Barrhead branch, where cash is in short supply due to the current financial climate.

She said: "It was sad for us to hear this happened and we were disappointed but we don't know what could have been done. How do you stop dishonest people?

"We are glad this has been taken seriously and justice has been done.

"The money stolen was returned to us and no disabled people missed out on any money.

"We are not surprised he did not get a jail sentence. We do feel the sentence was just and it makes sense because he has no previous convictions.

"He was certainly well liked and disappointed is the word to use.

"In an area the size of Barrhead it would have made a big difference.

"It is a tough environment because it is hard to get the money you need and you need every penny to support the people you are meant to. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this happening again."

Over an 18-month period, Tams, while employed to support those in his care, doctored the books when handling petty cash payments for support workers.

The 35-year-old then helped himself to the cash, but was finally caught when auditors failed to make the accounts add up.

Selfish Tams admitted embezzling £2,000 from ENABLE Scotland, Westbourne Centre, Kelburn Street, between April 2008 and September 2009 when he appeared in court last month.

When confronted by cops Tams immediately admitted his guilt.

He has since paid back the cash and resigned from his position at the charity.

Peter Scott, chief executive of ENABLE Scotland, said: "We are clearly very disappointed that an ex-member of staff abused their position of trust for personal gain.

"We are, however, pleased that justice has been served, and would like to thank the police for their efforts to this end.

"We would also like to emphasise that we have ensured no one has suffered financial disadvantage as a consequence of this case."

For legal reasons, Disclosure Scotland could not reveal whether Tams would again be allowed to work within the charity sector, and were unable to comment when approached by the News.