Charity boss defends Lindsay Lohan amid community service dispute

The head of a volunteer group in London where Lindsay Lohan carried out her community service has spoken out to defend the actress after her work with the group was called into question amid a dispute over her hours.

The Mean Girls actress was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service, stemming from a previous court case, before the end of the month (Jan15), and she carried out much of the work in London while she was appearing in a West End play.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles are now examining her log amid reports she clocked up 80 hours in just nine days and counted meet-and-greets with fans as part her requirement, and she could face jail if she is deemed to have broken the rules.

Lohan teamed up with a charity group called Community Service Volunteers (CSV) during her time in London, and the head of the organisation has now spoken out to defend the star, insisting she worked hard and made a valid contribution.

CSV's Chief Executive, Oonagh Aitken, tells WENN, "We are delighted that Lindsay is volunteering for CSV in Hackney (east London), particularly the work she's doing with our young volunteers on the Positive Futures program. She has also helped to promote the Red Route Cafe; our community cafe which is run with the help of volunteers on Lower Clapton road in Hackney. She has shown interest in the benefits volunteering can bring to people of all ages across the U.K."

It has also been revealed to WENN that Lohan carried out a number of activities during her time with CSV, including writing resumes with youngsters, contributing to a community radio show, and helping out with the charity's cafe.

A statement from CSV to WENN reads, "As the UK's leading volunteering charity CSV (was) delighted to be able to offer Lindsay Lohan the chance to volunteer on our Positive Futures program... Lindsay has been volunteering with Positive Futures in Hackney (east London) working alongside young volunteers as they gain new skills, boost their CV and gain confidence through volunteering. She has buddied up with a young volunteer and has built strong relationships with volunteers and CSV staff, contributing to a community radio show, CSV's Red Route Cafe and planning future events."