Wolverhampton City Council benefits worker admits £32,000 fraud

Anthony McHale committed the sophisticated large scale fraud over two years at Wolverhampton City Council.

The 55-year-old pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court to fraud by abusing his position between September 2012 and September this year.

McHale, of Broad Lane North in Willenhall, was suspended from his position by council bosses when the offence was discovered.

Following the case, the council acknowledged the guilty plea and said it took a zero tolerance approach to such crimes.

Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, told the court that McHale had carried out the fraud with 'some sophistication' and had committed a 'severe breach of trust.'

He admitted six charges of fraud by abuse of position, in that he dishonestly abused his position and intended to cause loss to the city council. The fraud amounted to £32,000.

Mr Bleazard added that McHale's actions had 'all the hallmarks of a serious case of fraud'.

He said: "The fraud was carried out with some sophistication and shows a severe breach of trust.

"It has all the hallmarks of a serious case of fraud."

A statement issued by the council said they will work to ensure fraud of this nature isn't allowed to happen again.

Councillor Paul Sweet, Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet member for governance and performance, said: "We acknowledge the guilty plea and await the Crown Court judges sentencing decision.

"The employee was suspended as soon as the allegation came to light and a disciplinary investigation is underway.

"Wolverhampton City Council expects the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all of its employees.

"We will not allow people to commit fraud against the council and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to book.

"The city council operates a zero tolerance policy on fraud, corruption and bribery and takes all allegations extremely seriously."

McHale was granted unconditional bail after pleading guilty. He will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on December 12.

Chief magistrate Mrs J Hughes, when moving McHale's case for sentencing to next month, said: "This case is too serious to be dealt with at magistrates court."

Benefits assessors evaluate new and ongoing claims, determining what claimants are entitled to and helping them complete paperwork.