The sentences have now been handed down on the 10 A4e employees convicted of fraud, forgery and conspiracy. The longest sentence is on Charles McDonald - 40 months imprisonment for 6 counts of fraud and one of conspiracy. Five other people got prison sentences; the rest got suspended sentences, various lengths of "unpaid work" and costs. You can read the full list on the Thames Valley Police website here.
A4e has issued a media statement on its own website. They say :"We note that the judge in her sentencing remarks dismissed claims that a culture of dishonesty existed within our business. We also note that those who made these claims raised no concerns about workplace practices or culture until they were confronted with the proof of their own dishonest behaviour." (Well, they wouldn't, would they?) However, they still claim that "we uncovered" the "irregularities", despite the fact that it was a whistle-blower who drew their attention to what was going on.
So that's over. I can't summon up much sympathy for these people, but for all of them it's a huge price to pay.
Tip of the iceberg.
ReplyDeleteSo you've said, but I don't think so. Anyway, the system has changed since then, and the same sort of fraud couldn't happen now. That's not to say that a different kind couldn't happen, of course.
Delete"Unpaid work" Is that not the same as what the unemployed have to do, despite having not been involved in any criminal activity. Where is the justice?
ReplyDeleteWhich is why I put it in quotes.
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