A former church treasurer has been sentenced to a year behind bars after admitting to defrauding Lisburn Baptist Church of more than £400,000.

Ernest Reddick, 60, of Dromore, Co Down, used his position to siphon off donations from the congregation over nine years.

Acting as treasurer from 2012 to 2021, Reddick transferred funds into his own business, an accountancy firm based in Lisburn.

The fraud came to light when a pastor reported concerns to police in late 2021, prompting a full investigation, as reported by BBC News.

Reddick was handed a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to twelve counts of fraud and one of false accounting - he will serve half in custody and the remainder on licence.

Detective Inspector McCarten described the case as a serious breach of trust, noting Reddick had created a “web of false transactions” to conceal his actions.

He added: “The impact of his offending on those who put their faith in him should not be underestimated.”

Although Reddick eventually repaid the full amount, prosecutors revealed he had also tampered with financial records, including destroying or altering documents that were crucial for accounting purposes.

Police confirmed that funds intended for ministry were instead used to “prop up” Reddick’s accountancy business.