Ex-council employee who stole £900k from susceptible claimants to fund luxurious life-style is jailed | UK Information

A former council worker who stole almost £900,000 from the accounts of susceptible profit claimants to fund a luxurious life-style has been jailed.

Richard Shaw, 46, transferred the cash to his personal financial institution accounts whereas working for Bolton Council’s monetary safety crew between 2015 and 2023.

He was jailed on Wednesday for 4 years and eight months.

In his function, he managed state advantages on behalf of service employees who have been unable to handle their very own funds and had nobody else to help them.

But investigations in 2023 revealed a number of financial institution transfers, totalling £893,296, to 9 private accounts held in his title.

Two BMW vehicles value almost £120,000 and different high-value objects, together with computer systems and bikes, have been seized throughout a warrant at Shaw’s house in Harrier Close, Bolton, when he was arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of place and cash laundering.

It was established in the course of the investigation that he spent £100,000 shopping for a vacation lodge in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, and virtually £18,000 on backyard enhancements.

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There have been additionally greater than £53,000 in funds to completely different ladies with references together with “treat”, “allowance”, “nice” and “ass” which totalled lots of of kilos each week, the court docket heard.

He was sacked for gross misconduct in March 2023, when the council recognized and reported the doable fraud to Greater Manchester Police.

Shaw pleaded responsible at an earlier listening to to at least one depend of fraud by abuse of place.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson mentioned there could be a proceeds of crime listening to to reclaim the remainder of the cash to reimburse the council.

‘Cases like these are exceptionally uncommon’

A spokesperson for Bolton Council mentioned: “Bolton Council has robust measures in place to detect, prevent and deter corruption and this crime was first uncovered via our own internal safeguards.

“We have labored carefully with Greater Manchester Police to construct the case that has resulted on this sentence which displays the gravity and influence of the crime dedicated.

“Cases like this are exceptionally rare and the actions of one person do not reflect a wider workforce that is conscientious, diligent, and committed to public service.

“Any recognized monetary losses to people because of this fraud have been refunded by the council, and profit losses rectified.”