POLICE have arrested a man for the New Year’s Day theft from a Tamworth pub of a barrel containing funds to help a sick little girl.
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Officers arrested a 42-year-old man in East Tamworth on Thursday morning.
He was charged with aggravated breaking, entering and stealing, and was refused bail on Thursday afternoon. He will appear in Tamworth Local Court at a later date.
Police alleged the barrel contained about $3000 in cash and was taken after thieves broke into the hotel about 1.30am on January 1. Officers said the money has not yet been recovered.
Tudor Hotel manager Dean Hoy earlier this week launched a public appeal for information about the theft.
He said the hotel had worked hard to raise money for 12-year-old Lily Pinchen, who is recovering from surgery to correct a severe case of scoliosis.
Staff were left devastated after their fundraising efforts, which included weekend barbecues, bar fundraisers and their tips, were all gone.
“It’s not so much that we’re upset about our hard work, we are devastated for Lily and her family and the way it happened,” Mr Hoy said.
“If someone broke into the pub and stole money I could accept that, but this is stealing from a charity.”
He said he has set up a Go Fund Me page as a safer alternative for those wanting to donate.
Cherie Pinchen, Lily’s mother and an employee of the hotel, said that she was overwhelmed by the support.
“Lily, as well as myself, were devastated when the money was stolen,” Mrs Pinchen said.
“When I told Lily about the money being raised she was so grateful. She wanted to give some of the money to Ronald Mac (McDonald) house, in Newcastle, which helped us with accommodation while she was in hospital, and the Captain Starlight program.”