Claire Alderton

A woman named Claire Alderton, 48, from Portsmouth, UK, has been involved in a public criminal case concerning fraud by false representation. She was sentenced to two years in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on June 19, 2026.

Key facts of the case include:

• Employment Fraud: In June 2024, Alderton secured a position as a trusts and foundations fundraiser at George's Rockstars charity by providing fabricated employment references and using fake emails.
• False Grant Claims: During her employment, she falsely claimed to have successfully submitted applications for grants.
• Faked Cancer Diagnosis: In December 2024, Alderton falsely informed the charity that she had been diagnosed with cancer, subsequently stopping work and ceasing all contact.
• Discovery of Deception: Her lies were uncovered when the charity contacted a foundation she claimed to have secured a grant from, only to find no application had been made. Additionally, her supposed referees, when contacted via LinkedIn, confirmed they had not written the references she provided.
• Impact on Charity: The co-founder of George's Rockstars, Amy O'Shaughnessy, whose son died of Leukaemia, described Alderton's actions as "truly abhorrent" and a "profound betrayal," particularly given the charity's mission.

Alderton was arrested and charged following a referral to the national Report Fraud service. She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. Her case reference is 44PC0921525.