A charity worker on trial for fraud has admitted it was "morally wrong" of her to keep £16,000 given to her by a sexual abuse survivor she had been supporting. Kathryn Kelwick, 55, worked as vulnerable adults manager at Swinton Lock Activity Centre in Rotherham and is accused of dishonestly abusing her position to secure the money, which came from the complainant's criminal injuries compensation. The case, being heard at Sheffield Crown Court, hinges on whether the payments were an inappropriate but genuine gift or the product of manipulation by Kelwick.

The complainant received £22,000 in September 2021 and £11,000 in May 2022 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, and told the court it had been "part of the deal" to split the money with Kelwick, transferring her £11,000 and then £5,000. Kelwick said she initially intended to return the first payment but did not, and later kept the second, sent with the reference "enjoy", because she had not returned the first. She admitted knowing charity staff had to declare gifts and were barred from accepting cash, but did not report the money for fear of losing her job. The prosecution argues she abused her position and failed to safeguard a vulnerable adult, while the defence maintains the money was gifted out of gratitude, with no evidence of a prior agreement. The trial continues.