Ex-Down councillor admits £6k UUP Association theft

16 November 2022

A FORMER Down councillor has admitted stealing over £6,000 from the Ulster Unionist Party’s South Down Association.

Desmond Patterson (67), from Trassey Road in Newcastle, appeared at Downpatrick Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, via videolink from his solicitor’s office last week.

Patterson pleaded guilty to a single count of fraud by abuse of position and was told by Judge Geoffrey Miller KC that he will be sentenced for the offence next month.

After confirming he could see and hear the proceedings, Patterson was charged that between February 27 and October 10 2017, whilst occupying a position in which he was expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of the South Down Association of the Ulster Unionist Party, he dishonestly abused that position and took a total amount of £6,050.

The charge continued that this was with the intention, by means of the abuse of that position, to make a gain for himself or another, or to cause loss to the association.

Once the charge was put to Patterson, he replied “guilty”.

His barrister, Tom McCreanor, told Judge Miller “full restitution will be available in this case” and that “arrangements have already been made to have that lodged”.

Mr McCreanor also requested time for the compilation of both a probation and medical report ahead of sentencing.

Judge Miller agreed to this and said he would sentence Patterson on December 15.

The judge told Patterson: “It’s up to you to make sure you are available as and when required by the Probation Service. I’m sure that you will comply with that.”

Telling Patterson it was preferable that he attended in person for his sentencing, Judge Miller added: “Clearly with offences of this nature, the custody threshold is passed.

“I will, however, consider all matters raised on your behalf as to the appropriate sentence.”

Patterson was released on continuing bail ahead of next month’s sentencing.

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