Sandwell Council worker accused of £150,000 fraud
A full-time council officer accused of defrauding his bosses of £150,000 by holding down a job in the health service at the same time has appeared in court.
Peter Walker, aged 46, was employed as a people and talent development consultant by Sandwell Council whilst also working for the Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a counsellor, it is alleged.
Mr Mark Jackson, prosecuting on behalf of the Oldbury-based authority, told Wolverhampton Magistrates Court that Walker began working for them in 2000 as a learning and development officer but in July 2006, it is claimed, took on a second job, dishonestly claiming he was carrying out his contracted 37 hours a week for the council.
His job title switched in January 2013 to that of people and talent development consultant and he continued to work in that capacity until September 2014.
Walker, of Vicarage Street, Oldbury, faces 11 charges of fraud over an eight-year period.
He gave no indication of plea.
District judge Michael Wheeler sent the case to Wolverhampton Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 8.
Walker was given unconditional bail.
