Jailed charity founder abandons sentence appeal

Claire Tempest was handed an eight-month prison sentence

The founder of a Bradford-based charitable group has abandoned her appeal against an eight-month jail sentence for fraud.

Claire Tempest, 39, was jailed on 4 August after she took almost £3,000 from her Helping Hands organisation.

An appeal against her prison sentence was due to be heard before a judge and two magistrates sitting at Bradford Crown Court on Friday, but barrister Hana Ahmed said her client was currently in custody and being treated for a medical condition.

Ms Ahmed confirmed that Tempest was due to be released from prison in 17 days and, after an earlier conference with her client, it had been decided to abandon her appeal.

Tempest had another appeal hearing adjourned in August because she was also in hospital.

Bradford Magistrates' Court heard last month how Tempest had set up the Facebook group during lockdown to help those in need by providing food, white goods, furniture and toiletries.

But suspicions were raised earlier this year and Tempest was reported to Action Fraud.

A police inquiry revealed that Tempest had made more than 50 transactions to her partner with a further 28 transactions to Uber and Uber Eats.

Tempest admitted fraud and taking £2,945.80 between August 2023 and January 2025.

When she was jailed, Tempest apologised for the offending and was ordered to make a £2,000 donation to a local charity by March 2026.

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