Ex-council worker who stole £900k from vulnerable claimants to fund luxury lifestyle is jailed

A former council employee who stole nearly £900,000 from the accounts of vulnerable benefit claimants to fund a luxury lifestyle has been jailed.

Richard Shaw, 46, transferred the money to his own bank accounts while working for Bolton Council's financial protection team between 2015 and 2023.

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

In his role, he managed state benefits on behalf of service workers who were unable to manage their own finances and had no one else to assist them.

But investigations in 2023 revealed several bank transfers, totalling £893,296, to nine personal accounts held in his name.

Two BMW cars worth nearly £120,000 and other high-value items, including computers and bikes, were seized during a warrant at Shaw's home in Harrier Close, Bolton, when he was arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position and money laundering.

It was established during the investigation that he spent £100,000 buying a holiday lodge in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, and almost £18,000 on garden improvements.

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There were also more than £53,000 in payments to different women with references including "treat", "allowance", "nice" and "ass" which totalled hundreds of pounds every week, the court heard.

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

Shaw pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of fraud by abuse of position.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said there would be a proceeds of crime hearing to reclaim the rest of the money to reimburse the council.

'Cases like these are exceptionally rare'

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "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 sentence which reflects 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, and benefit losses rectified."

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