Anton Roche and his late mother Leila Roy

A FORMER Tory election agent has been handed a suspended sentence after defrauding a teenage boy of the money raised to support him following the sudden death of his mother.

Alexander Shayler, 33, appeared in Wood Green Crown Court today (Tuesday) where he was handed a ten-month suspended sentence for fraud by abuse of position of trust. 

Mr Shayler, from Kent, spoke only to confirm his name.

The court heard that Mr Shayler had set up an online GoFundMe campaign to support Anton Roche, now 18, following the sudden death of his mother, Leila Roy, the popular former Conservative councillor for Belsize ward.

The fund aimed to “cover the immediate costs of Leila’s sudden and tragic passing and to create a trust fund for her son to ensure that her dreams and hopes for him can continue.”

The campaign raised £17,000. After Ms Roy’s funeral had been paid for and other outstanding costs cleared, the remaining balance of £9252 was due to be paid to Anton on his 18th birthday.

The court heard Mr Shayler offered to hold the funds in his personal bank account until Anton turned 18. During this time, Mr Shayler spent the remaining balance on himself.

Mr Shayler was suffering with an alcohol dependency and mental illness at the time of the offence, the court heard.

Elega Simpson, prosecuting, said his actions were “plainly an abuse of trust and responsibility.”

Defence barrister Alex Jamieson said Mr Shayler “has repaid the money and he has undertaken treatment” for his mental health problems. He has also written a letter of apology to Anton, the court heard.

Judge Alexander Jacobson praised Mr Shayler for repaying the money in full, and for making “full admissions” to his guilt when interviewed by police.

“The important point to note for me is that the work you’ve done… all took place before the involvement of the authorities,” Mr Jacobson said, adding he appreciated Mr Shayler had not tried to “wriggle out” of the consequences of his crime.

But Mr Jacobson noted Anton, as a bereaved child, was a “particularly vulnerable” victim. As well as the suspended sentence, Mr Shayler was ordered to pay Anton £1000 in compensation and perform 250 hours of unpaid work. Mr Shayler also has to commit to 20 days of rehabilitation.