by Keith Hunt

A council official who exploited a loophole to steal almost £20,000 has been spared a jail sentence.

Albert Olaloye was told by a judge he had at first thought immediate imprisonment was necessary because of the breach of trust involved.

But he added he was persuaded a suspended sentence of eight months with 200 hours unpaid work was “appropriate”.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 46-year-old rents manager at Gravesham Borough Council took advantage of a system where there were funds in suspense accounts that could not be returned to various tenants.

Jane Scotchmer, prosecuting, said the amounts were either over-payments or tenants who had died and had no next of kin.

The father-of-three, who worked for the council for 12 years, was in debt when he targeted 15 such accounts, 10 of which belonged to people in residential homes.

“He realised they had lain dormant for a considerable time,” said Miss Scotchmer.

Olaloye issued instructions that funds should be paid into nominated bank accounts. He gave a fictitious address.

The accounts were either in his name or joint accounts with his wife.

Miss Scotchmer said the total amount taken was £19,927. The council was the victim, she said, in the sense it was custodian of the money.

Recorder Christopher Jeans QC suggested it was cash that could be claimed.

But the prosecutor said: “I would assume after going through bureaucracy and red tape, they would be able to recoup the money.

“The defendant did target these accounts belonging to vulnerable victims.

"The council leaves these accounts in a state of suspense and he saw an opportunity there.”

Olaloye, of Bamford Road, Bromley, admitted fraud.

Recorder Jeans said it was a serious breach of trust and Olaloye, who has two children who suffer from sickle-cell anaemia, exploited his position as a senior council officer.

“A senior with his experience, it is extraordinary thing to have done,” he said.

He told Olaloye: “I take account of the fact you have lost your job and your reputation with it.

"I accept you acted out of desperation. The motive was to assist your family, rather than greed.”

Olaloye was ordered to pay £600 costs.

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