Jury out in case of charity worker accused of keeping Lee Rigby cash

Gary Gardner, 56, is accused of fraud in connection with a fund-raiser for Fusilier Lee Rigby's young son. Credit: PA

The jury has been sent out in the case of a charity worker accused of fraud in connection with a string of fundraisers for the son of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby.

Gary Gardner, 56, from Medbourne, Leicestershire, recruited a string of celebrities to raise money for Rigby's six-year-old son Jack.

Gardner denies three charges of fraud in connection with the allegation that he used charity proceeds from a series of truck-pulling events to fund his music band.

Drummer Lee Rigby was murdered outside his London barracks in Woolwich in May 2013. Credit: PA

Jurors heard how Mr Gardner raised at least £24,000 from various events but only £4,000 made its way to any charity.

Drummer Rigby, 25, of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was murdered outside his London barracks in Woolwich in May 2013.