Anti-gun lobbyist on theft charge

The former treasurer of a national anti-gun crime organisation has been charged with stealing funds donated to the group.

Maureen Lynch, 55, of Park Street, Southwark, south London is accused of stealing £16,963 from the Mothers Against Guns' account.

The group lobbies for tougher sentences for those convicted of using guns.

Ms Lynch has been bailed to appear before Tower Bridge Magistrates Court on 19 April.

Scotland Yard confirmed that Mrs Lynch, who is unemployed, is alleged to have taken the money from the group's Royal Bank of Scotland account between March and September 2004.

Mothers Against Guns was set up by Lucy Cope in 2002, following the death of her son Damian, and is funded by grants and donations, including money from the Home Office.