Ex-Bolton Council employee confesses to fraud after nearly £900K went missing

Richard Shaw, 46, was charged with fraud by abuse of position earlier this year in connection with fraud at the council over an eight-year period between February 2015 and April 2023.

He was brought before Bolton Crown Court last week where he pleaded guilty.

According to court documents Shaw dishonestly abused his position as an appointeeship officer between February 5, 2015, and April 18, 2023, to make a gain of £893,926.01 for himself.

They say that at the time he had been “expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of Bolton Council”.

Richard Shaw will be sentenced at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

A council spokesperson said: “The council welcomes the plea submitted by Mr Shaw, a former employee in relation to charges of fraud.

“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 worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build the case that has resulted in this plea and look to the sentencing in February to reflect the gravity and impact of the crime committed.

“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 identified financial losses to individuals as a result of this fraud have been refunded by the council.”

A spokesperson for the court and tribunals service confirmed that Shaw pleaded guilty to the charge of fraud by abuse of position contrary to sections one and four of the Fraud Act 2006.

Back in October 2023, The Bolton News reported exclusively that an investigation into fraud offences at the council was underway.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed at the time that its economic crime unit had launched an investigation.

In July this year the force announced that Shaw, of Harrier Close, Lostock, had been charged.

This came after what the force said was a “thorough investigation” of the missing money at Bolton Council carried out by its economic crime unit.

Bolton Council also confirmed in July this year that Shaw was a former employee and that it had carried out an internal investigation back in 2023.

The report that came about because of the investigation was then handed over to the police.

Since the investigation was first revealed by The Bolton News more than two years ago, the progress of the case has been repeatedly discussed and debated at town hall.

Shaw is expected to be brought back before Bolton Crown Court to be sentenced on Wednesday February 18 next year.

Source – INDIA TV