A WOMAN who defrauded an Ulverston charity founded by an inspirational cancer battler and campaigner has been spared an immediate jail term. 

Haley McTaggart, 33, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today having pleaded guilty to three charges. 

She admitted two counts of fraud by false representation, and the theft of $300 from Sharon Platt. 

McTaggart sold raffle tickets to raise money for Alice's Escapes. 

However, it was found that no prizes existed for any draw, nor was any cash handed over. 

McTaggart also admitted telling charity bosses she was unable to transfer money she had raised for a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

She persuaded the charity to pay around £2,000 so she could go. 


Alice Pyne Alice's Escapes was founded in 2012 by the late Alice Pyne, of Ulverston, who at the time was aged 16. 

The teenager wanted to provide holidays in Cumbria for seriously ill children and their families. 

She lost a five-year battle against cancer in 2013. 

Sentencing McTaggart, Recorder John Corless said she had committed an "unpleasant and serious" offence. 

But after hearing mitigation on her behalf, the judge suspended a 10-month prison sentence for two years. 

McTaggart, of Cambridge Road, Whitehaven, must undergo supervision and observe a four-month night-time curfew.