Worker admits £116,000 fraud (From York Press)

Drax worker admits £116,000 fraud

9:08am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A POWER station worker defrauded his employers out of more than £116,000, a court has heard.

Brian Paul Smith, 53, facilities support manager at Drax Power Station, was responsible for selling scrap metal from the station to European Metal Recycling, but approached the firm to seek cash-in-hand payments, Selby Magistrates’ Court heard.

At the court yesterday, Smith, of Steverley Cottage, Drax, faced one charge of fraud by abuse of position over a 14-month period during his employment.

Prosecuting, Sandra White told the court a system was in place which meant Smith would weigh the metal to be sold, a ticket would be printed and sent to invoice, and the power station would be paid for the scrap.

However, between June 23, 2010, and August 18 last year, the court heard Smith went directly to European Metal Recycling and asked for “cash in hand” payments which totalled £116,928.

Smith pleaded guilty to the offence, and will appear before York Crown Court on November 22 for sentencing.