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Court clerk admits £130,000 fraud Court clerk admits £130,000 fraud
(31 minutes later)
A sheriff clerk who was branded "the classic conman" is facing jail after admitting defrauding the Scottish Court Service of £130,000 over three years.A sheriff clerk who was branded "the classic conman" is facing jail after admitting defrauding the Scottish Court Service of £130,000 over three years.
Graeme Wilson, 29, faked signatures on jury members' expenses forms and wrote himself blank cheques in the names of imaginary doctors billing the court.Graeme Wilson, 29, faked signatures on jury members' expenses forms and wrote himself blank cheques in the names of imaginary doctors billing the court.
He told workmates that he earned extra cash through semi-professional rugby and property development.He told workmates that he earned extra cash through semi-professional rugby and property development.
Sentence on the 29-year-old from Kirkcaldy, Fife, was deferred.Sentence on the 29-year-old from Kirkcaldy, Fife, was deferred.
The court heard how Wilson would change the juror's name to his own and make out cheques payable to himself which netted him approximately £52,000 between 2006 and 2009.The court heard how Wilson would change the juror's name to his own and make out cheques payable to himself which netted him approximately £52,000 between 2006 and 2009.
When the computer system was changed at court and Wilson was moved to a different department he set up a second scheme.When the computer system was changed at court and Wilson was moved to a different department he set up a second scheme.
The way in which this has been carried out is quite breathtaking Sheriff Deirdre MacNeill QC
He fabricated 72 invoices purporting to come from doctors requesting payment for fees for psychological assessments which he pretended the court had called for.He fabricated 72 invoices purporting to come from doctors requesting payment for fees for psychological assessments which he pretended the court had called for.
The way in which this has been carried out is quite breathtaking Sheriff Deirdre MacNeill QC
Cheques were sent to addresses for the false doctors which were redirected to him, netting him £78,000.Cheques were sent to addresses for the false doctors which were redirected to him, netting him £78,000.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard when colleagues wondered how he was able to afford a plush lifestyle he gave a string of excuses which included having wealthy parents, working as a semi-professional rugby player and rent income from a flat.Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard when colleagues wondered how he was able to afford a plush lifestyle he gave a string of excuses which included having wealthy parents, working as a semi-professional rugby player and rent income from a flat.
Sheriff Deirdre MacNeill QC told Wilson he displayed characteristics of a classic conman and said: "It is a shocking breach of trust and the scale and the way in which this has been carried out is quite breathtaking."Sheriff Deirdre MacNeill QC told Wilson he displayed characteristics of a classic conman and said: "It is a shocking breach of trust and the scale and the way in which this has been carried out is quite breathtaking."
Fiscal depute Isabel Clark said Wilson's scam came to light when he returned to his work in March last year, three months after he left in December 2008, and handed in envelopes.Fiscal depute Isabel Clark said Wilson's scam came to light when he returned to his work in March last year, three months after he left in December 2008, and handed in envelopes.
First offender
Ms Clark said: "They were conveyed along to the appropriate people and on looking inside the envelopes, the documents handed in were invoices and requests for psychological assessments.Ms Clark said: "They were conveyed along to the appropriate people and on looking inside the envelopes, the documents handed in were invoices and requests for psychological assessments.
"The documentation indicated they had been processed internally and date stamped by members of the sheriff court service which could not have happened because the accused had ceased employment.""The documentation indicated they had been processed internally and date stamped by members of the sheriff court service which could not have happened because the accused had ceased employment."
'Breach of trust'
The court heard that as a result an investigation was carried out which revealed a catalogue of inconsistencies and discrepancies relating to Wilson, who started his working with the sheriff court service in 2003.The court heard that as a result an investigation was carried out which revealed a catalogue of inconsistencies and discrepancies relating to Wilson, who started his working with the sheriff court service in 2003.
Ms Clark added that investigations showed the cash appeared to have been spent.Ms Clark added that investigations showed the cash appeared to have been spent.
Wilson, a first offender, admitted forming two fraudulent schemes between 2006 and 2009, and obtaining about £130,000 by fraud.Wilson, a first offender, admitted forming two fraudulent schemes between 2006 and 2009, and obtaining about £130,000 by fraud.
The systems used at courts have been changed across Scotland so that such schemes can not now be created. A spokesman for the Scottish Court Service said: "The Scottish Court service expects the highest standards of conduct from those employed to work in our organisation.
"It is extremely disappointing that a former employee abused his privileged position and used detailed knowledge of our systems and processes to defraud the service. This was an appalling breach of trust.
"As the matter involves public funds we are seeking full restitution.
"Following the internal investigation, which led to the charges being brought, the Scottish Court Service conducted a rigorous external review of all its relevant policies and procedures and appropriate steps were taken."