In 2020 Howard was charged with fraud by abuse of position after admitting to stealing more than £250,000, including from residents.
He said one moment stood out as his wake-up call – a £147,000 win online.
That money, which could have been returned, was instead gambled away in two days.
“I remember sitting on the edge of the bed realising there were two options – suicide, or hand myself in to the police,” he said.
“Suicide felt like the easy way out. But I went to the police station and disclosed everything.
“Work found out. Friends and family found out. I became bankrupt. I lost my home. My relationship broke down.”
He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison in 2024, but was released after serving 10 months in June 2025.
“It was the worst and best thing that happened to me and it forced me into recovery,” he said.
He now works at Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard, helping develop dedicated support for LGBT people affected by gambling harm.
“When someone knows you’ve been there, the barriers come down instantly,” he said. “It’s true empathy.”
“Gambling is indiscriminate,” he said. “It’s not going to pick you based on class, gender, race.
“It can affect absolutely anyone.”