Suspended Pride in London chief accused of obstructing theft investigation

The suspended chief executive of Pride in London, Christopher Joell‑Deshields, is facing fresh allegations of obstructing an internal investigation into claims of theft and bullying, according to newly disclosed court documents. 

Joell‑Deshields, 55, appeared at the High Court after lawyers for London LGBT Community Pride CIC accused him of refusing to hand back control of company bank accounts, digital systems, and administrative tools - actions they say have “frustrated” efforts to determine the full extent of his alleged misconduct. Court papers seen by the BBC state that he failed to return “usernames, passwords and personal identification numbers” linked to the organisation’s financial and online platforms. 

The dispute centres on an injunction issued in September 2025, which required Joell‑Deshields to surrender company devices, provide access to bank accounts and social media profiles, and submit a sworn witness statement confirming full compliance. Lawyers argue that he breached the order on two counts of contempt: failing to return all organisational property, and failing to supply the required witness statement. Joell‑Deshields denies the first allegation but has admitted the second. 

His legal representative, Dr John Brown, told the court that his client contests claims of withholding property. For example, a laptop that remains unreturned is said to have been purchased to replace Joell‑Deshields’ own device that was damaged while at work. Despite this, the court noted that disobeying the injunction could result in imprisonment, fines or seizure of assets. 

Joell‑Deshields was suspended and removed as a director in 2025 following allegations that he misused £7,000 worth of sponsor‑donated vouchers on luxury perfumes and Apple products. Volunteers have also accused him of bullying behaviour - including towards a disabled volunteer - and contributing to a “toxic” workplace culture at the volunteer‑led organisation. 

Despite the ongoing disciplinary process, which is now in its seventh month, Joell‑Deshields continues to receive an annual salary exceeding £85,000. His legal team stress that cooperating with the injunction’s terms should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.  

A full hearing on the remaining contempt allegation has been scheduled for the first available date after 10 February. The court is expected to consider sanctions for his failure to provide the witness statement and to examine Pride in London’s claim that he intentionally withheld access to organisational systems.