THE case of a Teignmouth undertaker syphoning off money donated to charities has prompted a local call for the law to be tightened up.

Robert Loveridge was recently sent to prison after pleading guilty to stealing collecting box money at the end of funeral services.

Cllr David Cox told a town council meeting that the case had shocked and upset a lot of mourners because it was a breach of trust.

He said: ‘The rules with regards to retiring charitable donations is not covered by current legislation, which is a loophole.

‘The recent case – which saw Loveridge jailed for stealing £5,000 – could put all funeral directors under suspicion.

‘We should demand that retiring collections are brought under the same regime as charitable rules for street and other collections.

‘If we could prompt stronger legislation, it would heal some of the hurt that the people of Teignmouth feel.’

It was agreed that the clerk should write to the local MP, Anne Marie Morris, and the Speaker of the House of Commons to seek support for the change in the law.