Holly Nelson Leads Prosecution Against Bolton Council Officer in £900k Fraud from Vulnerable Service Users Case
Richard Shaw, 47, appeared at Bolton Crown Court after being accused of stealing £893,296.01 from some of the borough’s most vulnerable people while employed by Bolton Metropolitan Council. Shaw, who held roles as finance officer and appointee officer, was responsible for managing and maintaining state benefits for service users who were unable to handle their own finances. Instead of acting in their best interests, Shaw funnelled funds into his own accounts, spending lavishly on luxury items including two BMWs, jewellery, a surround sound system, bicycles, and a computer equipment. He also paid nearly £100,000 to a holiday lodge company and around £53,000 to “female friends”.
Prosecution barrister Holly Nelson played a pivotal role in outlining the extent of Shaw’s fraudulent activity. Addressing the court, Ms Nelson described Shaw as “a financial wolf in sheep’s clothing within Bolton Metropolitan Council”, highlighting how his knowledge of the appointee charging policy enabled him to exploit the system. She detailed how Shaw’s theft intensified after his promotion, and how he was entrusted with safeguarding funds for vulnerable service users only to systematically divert them for personal gain. Ms Nelson further explained that the fraud came to light when a council officer noticed unusually low funds, leading to Shaw’s suspension, dismissal, and a police investigation that uncovered the full scale of his crimes.
Holly Nelson’s clear and comprehensive prosecution ensured the court understood both the impact of Shaw’s actions and the breach of trust involved, as she presented evidence of his misuse of service users’ money and the luxuries he acquired as a result.
When sentencing Shaw to four years and eight months, Recorder Michael Hayton KC said that the description of Shaw as a “financial wolf in sheep’s clothing” was “apt”. He said that Shaw’s actions over many years “amounts to a disgusting betrayal” of the trust put in him.
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