Ex-Dundee student is labelled as ‘dishonest’

A FORMER Dundee University student has been struck off after he expressed “no regret” for accepting bursary payments he was not entitled to.

Maurizio Martone-Mustapha appeared before the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) in relation to six allegations — described as “serious” — including trying to pursue the council’s finance department for a bursary payment when he had already effectively withdrawn.

The former social work student failed to inform the SSSC that he was absent from the course due to ill health for more than 30 days.

Mr Mustapha left the course on November 3 2015.

But he did not inform the SSSC until November 18 the same year.

In an email sent on January 2016, Mr Mustapha claimed he still had to revise and write reports submitted, but the SSSC said “this was not true”.

Then after March 17 of the same year, Mr Mustapha was accused of failing to repay a sum of £891.45 owed to the SSSC — despite attempts being made by the council to secure the money.

In reaching its final decision, the SSSC described the misconduct as “very serious”.

The council added: “It involved dishonesty which is particularly serious as it may undermine public trust in the profession.

“You have expressed no regret for or any insight into the serious nature and potential consequences of your misconduct, including the wrongful depletion of public funds.

“These factors give rise to concern that you will repeat your misconduct with a consequent risk of harm to the public and to the reputation of the profession.”

The panel deciding Mr Mustapha’s fate also commented on his continued dishonesty throughout the process and found no evidence of any financial difficulties he repeatedly made reference to in correspondence with the university.

Mr Mustapha could not be reached for comment.

The results of the hearing — which was held earlier this month at the council’s Compass House base in Dundee — were released yesterday.

The University of Dundee declined to comment.