Coaching conman gets 15 months Council defrauded of £ 42,120
tutor, working as a “grass roots co- ordinator” to find new talent for Thistle, and previously worked as an assistant manager at Berwick Rangers, a youth coach at St Mirren, the Strathclyde University women’s team and was once firstteam coach at East Stirlingshire.
Bell, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, had boasted of his experience on social media, posting that he ensured “quality systems” were in place to monitor the active schools project, recruiting and managing staff.
The court previously deferred sentencing to allow Bell to come up with the cash.
Another charge that he kept £ 14,640 of goods ordered for South Ayrshire Council in the name of the active schools project was dropped.
Sentencing Bell, who has no previous convictions, Sheriff John Montgomery said: “You hatched this scheme, funding to promote health in children and instead, it was diverted for your own personal use.
“With regard to the money and planning involved in your crime, I have no option but to deliver a custodial sentence.”
His 15- month stretch in prison was reduced from 18 months for his previous guilty plea.
South Ayrshire Council chief executive, Eileen Howat told the Post: “We operate a zero tolerance policy for cases of fraud, and expect everyone working for, or associated with, the council to operate with integrity at all times.
“We have robust procedures in place to deal with any highlighted incidents and we take all allegations very seriously.
“I can confirm that all monies owed to the council by a former employee have been recovered, and we consider the matter closed.”