A former council employee has been jailed following the theft of nearly £900,000 from council accounts.

Richard Shaw, of Harrier Close, Bolton, transferred £893,296 to himself from the accounts of benefit claimants’ held by Bolton Council between 2015 and 2023.

Greater Manchester Police estimate that Richard Shaw’s failure to act in the best interest of his clients lost them £129,749 in unclaimed benefits.

Shaw was jailed for four years and eight months today (18th February) at Bolton Crown Court.

He failed to attend the first crown court appearance on 23 September 2025, and was arrested by officers in Blackpool on the same day.

Shaw initially denied fraud by abuse of position, but changed his plea to guilty in December 2025.

Shaw was managing accounts as part of the councils’ Financial Protection Team, but was suspended when mismanagement of cases was discovered.

He was subsequently sacked for gross misconduct in March 2023, when the council identified and reported the potential fraud to GMP.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “The council welcomes the sentencing of Mr Shaw, a former employee in relation to charges of fraud.

“Bolton Council has robust measures in place to detect, prevent and deter corruption and this crime was first uncovered via our own internal safeguards.

“We have worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build the case that has resulted in this sentence which reflects the gravity and impact of the crime committed.

“Cases like this are exceptionally rare and the actions of one person do not reflect a wider workforce that is conscientious, diligent, and committed to public service.

“Any identified financial losses to individuals as a result of this fraud have been refunded by the council, and benefit losses rectified.”

An investigation by GMP’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, with the co-operation of Bolton Council, showed that Shaw had been transferring money to his own accounts for a number of years.

Investigations carried out in 2023 showed several bank transfers to nine accounts held in Shaw’s name, with just over £250,000 transferred to one account, and £215,000 to another.

Several high value items including two BMW cars, computers and bikes were seized during a warrant at Shaw’s home address in April 2023 when he was initially arrested.

During the investigation, it was established he spent £100,000 buying a holiday home in Lancashire, and nearly £18,000 on garden improvements.

Detective Sergeant Daniel Sanchez, from the Economic and Cyber Crime Unit said: “We carried out a thorough and meticulous two-year investigation into Shaw in conjunction with Bolton Council.

“Concerns were raised in February 2023 about some of the accounts managed by Shaw.

“The accounts were unusually low, running out of funds and irregular transactions had been noted. 

“Shaw was subsequently suspended while a disciplinary investigation was completed and dismissed for gross misconduct on 31 March 2023.

“Our team remained in close contact with the local authority, who assisted us throughout the investigation.

“In his role as an appointee officer, Shaw was responsible for managing 120 client cases.

“Shaw abused his position of trust within the council, transferring clients’ money to accounts he had set up in his own name.

“His systematic theft and haphazard spending was uncovered by our financial investigator.

“There will now be a Proceeds of Crime hearing to reclaim the rest of the money so the council can be reimbursed.”

Featured image via GMP.