Former Falmouth council official confesses to expenses fraud (From Falmouth Packet)

Former Falmouth council official confesses to expenses fraud

4:04pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Falmouth/Penryn By Greg Fountain, Reporter/Photographer

Falmouth's former deputy town clerk and finance officer has admitted stealing more than £1,800 from the public purse.

Simon John Polglase, of Goldsithney, pleaded guilty to eleven counts of fraud at Truro Crown Court today.

He dishonestly abused his position to make fraudulent expenses claims between February 2007 and the same month in 2010, the court heard.

Recorder Paul Grumbar, who sentenced Polglase to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and 100 hours unpaid work, said: "You were employed by the town council in a position of trust and people who pay their taxes and their dues expect public servants to deal with their money honestly.

"They don't expect to have it stolen by people like you."

Polglase, who had denied the charges until today, was also ordered to pay £500 towards costs. 

*Due to the nature of some of the comments made on this story, the facility to have your say has been suspended.