Former USPCA boss Stephen Philpott charged after PSNI fraud probe at animal charity

THE former chief executive of the USPCA has faced a court today on fraud charges relating to the animal charity.

Stephen Philpott, 53, of Ashgrove Court in Newry, faced two charges at the local magistrates court of conspiracy to defraud and two further charges of possessing and concealing criminal property.

It is alleged that over a nine year period, he conspired to create false employment in the USPCA, with the intention of making financial gain for himself.

Mr Philpott told the court he understood the charges.

An investigating detective said he could connect him to the charges.

Phipott was released on bail of £250.

But this was on condition he made no contact with any former or present members of staff of the charity.

He will back in the dock of Newry Magistrates’ Court next month for an update on the case.