Inquiry goes on into West Exe school finances
A POLICE investigation into whether salary fraud took place at the city's largest school is continuing.
In November the Echo revealed that officers had been investigating whether any fraudulent activity has taken place at West Exe Technology College since July.
A letter from Shaun Sawyer, chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, to Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw, confirmed that officers are investigating whether any fraudulent activity had taken place at the school under the leadership of former executive head Steve Maddern and former chair of governors Paul Smith.
County council officials informed police about issues raised in an internal audit report it conducted into the financial management of the school under their rule.
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A spokesperson for the police authority has now confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
The inquiry followed a report which uncovered years of alleged financial mismanagement under the leadership of former executive headteacher Steve Maddern.
The report criticised the close relationship between Mr Maddern and Mr Smith.
Police investigations are running in conjunction with Devon County Council auditors and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Comments
by tuftyaurelius
Sunday, January 06 2013, 11:56PM
“Criminal, evil, fraudulent, nepotistic and corrupt behaviour in Devon.
This man, his wife and the rest of his family including dubious business associates must be brought to account and face justice. Long suffering local taxpayers, honest, hardworking families, pupils and their parents have had enough of Steve Maddern and others like him.
Every penny fraudulently obtained must be given back to the public fund.
Shameful and disgraceful behaviour from him including all those who failed to report him sooner!!!!!”
by Jungle_Jim
Sunday, January 06 2013, 10:25PM
“Drannyboy
You are accusing everyone from the chief exec to to clerks, teaching assistants, social workers etc, so I trust you can back this up”
by Drannyboy
Sunday, January 06 2013, 9:46PM
“The Old Bill are investigating if the former head of West Exe had his hands in the till during the operation phase of the West Exe.
Off course he did because the DCC gave him £65 million and told him to design and build YOUR new school.
Expect the other 5 PFI schools to be investigated shortly.
Local Government Officials are NO BETTER than MP's who were caught with their Snouts in the Trough and are STILL riding the Gravy Train.”
by Drannyboy
Sunday, January 06 2013, 9:41PM
“We now have TWO fraud investigations ongoing. First, the DCC and West Exe and more recently at the City Council.
What's happening with the local authorities here in Devon.Have the Mafia taken over their reins??!
Could this be the real reason why they consider my FOI requests are vexatious??!!
We are touching the tip of the Iceburgh”