A COUNCIL employee who was found to be employed by another local authority pocketed almost £17,000 in overpaid wages before receiving a suspended prison sentence.
Barnsley Council identified a dual full-time employee irregularity following a payroll examination.
An investigation commenced with the other local authority identified on the match.
It was established the same employee had been employed on two 37-hour per week contracts for a period of ten months.
Whilst the investigation was ongoing the employee resigned voluntarily from both positions.
A report into the matter said: “Following the outcome of the investigation it was agreed by both local authorities that the case would be taken forward for prosecution.
“The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud.
“The monetary amounts of overpaid wages considered for sentencing totalled £16,950.
“The court sentenced the defendant to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years and was also ordered to pay a costs contribution of £1,226 and a victim surcharge of £156.”
