SIX North East Lincolnshire Council staff were sacked and another resigned prior to a disciplinary hearing NELC has revealed in its annual fraud report - which focuses on those attempting to steal public money from both inside and outside the

Covering the period from April 2013 to March 2014, the report revealed enforcement action has included investigations and subsequent disciplinary hearings where staff fraud or financial misconduct was suspected.

Examples of the issues for which staff were dismissed include theft, misuse of information and abuse of the time management system. In four cases, employees received a warning due to the nature of their conduct.

Successful court prosecutions of staff and contractors relating to investigations completed in previous years included one prosecution resulting in a four month jail sentence and an order to repay the council £1,400.00.

Another case resulted in a suspended one year jail sentence being imposed.

NELC also successfully prosecuted 23 benefit cheats, while a further 14 were offered and accepted either an Administrative Penalty or a Simple Caution as an alternative to prosecution.

Overpaid benefit, including DWP benefits, amounting to £222,663.50 were identified as a result of these investigations.

And benefit fraud investigation also identified a further £674,753.11 of overpaid benefits, including benefits administered by DWP, where no prosecution or sanction was sought.

Action will be taken in all cases to recover this money.

Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of the council, said: "The risk of fraud can be substantial to a large and complex organisation such as a local council, so we have to be thorough in our anti-fraud measures.

"Although there are some people who do try to get something to which they are not entitled, this report shows that they are in the minority and that when they are discovered, they are brought to justice. Crime doesn't pay, and this annual fraud report clearly demonstrates that."

If you suspect someone is committing benefit or council tax fraud, call the fraud hotline on (01472) 326298, or alternativelyvisit http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/resident/report/ . Callers do not have to leave their name and all information received will be treated in confidence. 

For more details, see tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

THE ice rink at Grimsby Leisure Centre will reopen a week today, bringing a 91-day saga over its immediate future to an end.

The installation of a £200,000 temporary ice pad will be complete on Monday, ready for the facility to welcome skaters again from next Friday.

The rink has been closed since June 6 after its cooling system failed, leading to fears over its future.

But councillors voted to install the temporary pad with leisure operators Lincs Inspire.

The ageing system has been ripped out and replaced with some ten miles of piping carrying 7,000 litres of a vegetable-based coolant.

Today around 50,000 litres of warm water – which freezes quicker than cold water – will be poured on and frozen.

The pad is guaranteed for 20 years, though North East Lincolnshire Council insists the plan is to keep it for two years to enable a "permanent solution to be sourced". As reported, the council is looking to facilitate the development of a commercial ice facility at the current site, with the authority selling the land at a market value.

Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for leisure and chairman of Lincs Inspire, said he was looking forward to leaving the rink's problems in the past.

He said: "It's fantastic. Clearly it's a robust system and I'm looking forward to welcoming the skaters back onto the ice.

"It's been a frustrating time for everyone because this is the only ice rink in the borough but I think when people get out on the ice the frustration will hopefully disappear.

"I'm proud that this council invests in leisure facilities through capital funding. We have got facilities that rival many cities.

"We have put a timeline of two years in place but systems like this have been in place eight or nine years in other places. I'm not saying that will happen here."

Experts from Nottinghamshire-based Ice Tech UK have carried out the work in just a fortnight.

The work involved removing the old system, which used R22 gas coolant which is to be outlawed at the turn of the year, which, before the recent closure and works, led to question marks over the rink's future. Only six rinks in the country still use R22.

Barriers have been repaired and repainted, and coloured lines used for ice hockey will be added.

Ice Tech UK senior partner Mark Nelson said the technology is "unique" because it allows parts of the rink to be isolated should problems develop.

"It's a much simpler system than before," he added.

It is powered by a huge unit outside the leisure centre, which has the equivalent power of 140 household freezers.

Mr Nelson said that the system was designed to be operated by site staff with little training, but insisted regular visits would be made to ensure it is running effectively.

The rink will reopen at 6am on Friday with the first public session from 10am.

As reported, some entry prices have been increased to help foot the bill for the new ice pad. Full costs are available at www.lincsinspire.com/enterprise/Grimsby_LC_Prices

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A DAD-of-five said he feels lucky to be alive after being thrown from his scooter on the notorious A18 Barton Street.

Paul Turner, of Cleethorpes, spent three days on a drain to reinflate his right lung at Hull's Castle Hill Hospital after the crash near Ashby-cum-Fenby.

As well as a punctured lung, Paul sustained five broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade after being "bodyslammed" into the road from his two-stroke scooter.

The bus mechanic, who works in Grimsby, said he owes his life to a family who were travelling behind him at the time, and waited with him after calling an ambulance.

"I can't explain how grateful I am to them," he told the Telegraph.

"It was that couple and their daughter who saved me. They kept me talking and waited for the ambulance. If it wasn't for them I'm not sure what might have happened."

Paul, 54, was out biking with a friend at around lunchtime on a quiet Sunday. The duo had taken in Cleethorpes seafront and enjoyed an ice cream at Brigsley before heading out towards the Wolds.

His biker partner was a long way up the road ahead, when Paul felt the bike "lock up", and he was launched onto the road.

"I was bodyslammed onto my right hand side right near to a 50mph sign," he said.

"It's hazy but I remember I tried to get up and realised I couldn't breathe. I felt this woman holding my hand and talking to me.

"I managed to calm down and breathe a little bit thanks to her. Her husband was directing traffic which had been whizzing past."

Paul said the ambulance had difficulty finding him at first – but eventually arrived and took him to Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital before he was later moved to Castle Hill.

He spent three nights in hospital and faces not being able to work until October.

The cause of the crash is believed to be a mechanical fault.

"The police and the garage have both said that because the bike is two-stroke it's susceptible to heat seizing," said Paul.

"It can just happen out of the blue but I've had scooters for years and this is the first time it's happened."

Paul said he'd had a difficult time convincing his wife Patricia that he should get back on his bike anytime soon.

"She is not keen but she knows biking is the love of my life," he said.

"I'm still using L plates – I'm due to take my bike test next February."

He added: "When something like this happens it does change your outlook on things. It really upset everyone and I had people I would never have expected coming to my bedside.

"I do feel lucky."

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THE Conservatives have vowed to "fight the campaign hard" in Grimsby after unveiling their candidate for next year's General Election.

As reported on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk yesterday, Lincolnshire County Councillor Marc Jones has been selected to contest the seat, which is currently held by Labour's Austin Mitchell.

The seat has been billed as a fight between Labour and Ukip, which has earmarked the constituency as one of its top 12 target seats.

However, Great Grimsby Conservative Association chairman Philip Jackson insists it is all to play for and said Mr Jones would make an excellent candidate.

Thirteen people applied for the role, and Mr Jones was chosen from an open shortlist of four – comprising two men and two women.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, Mr Jones, who was born in Grimsby and still has family living in the town, said: "I will be spending the next few months talking to residents and businesses and I'm really quite honoured to have that opportunity. Grimsby is the only seat that I had considered standing for."

The 42-year-old married father of one lives in Lincoln and is chairman of the Lincoln Conservative Association.

He served on Lincoln City Council from 2007 to 2012 and was elected to the county council in 2013, and believes that standing for the Tories in a traditionally Labour city will stand him in good stead for the campaign in Grimsby.

Mr Jones, who has worked in property for 15 years and ran his own business for four years, said: "What we need is a much more positive view of Grimsby. It has got some cracking potential and we need some new ideas instead of just more of the same. We need someone that's going to push Grimsby forward and I think the people of Grimsby deserve that.

"People are concerned about jobs for their children, making sure that housing is affordable and that the streets don't get flooded. "Grimsby needs someone who is going to be really proactive and say to government, 'this is a really important area for the nation's economy, we need to have the investment.'"

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IN-FORM Grimsby Town striker Lenell John-Lewis wants HIS goal back, at Aldershot Town tomorrow.

The big frontman has been in fine goalscoring form over the Mariners' last two matches, hitting a double in the 6-1 win at Gateshead before seemingly claiming another brace in Monday's 7-0 crushing of Alfreton.

However, the 25-year-old has this week seen one of his goals in that second clash chalked off by the powers-that-be, and credited as an own goal to Reds goalkeeper Cameron Dawson instead.

No striker likes 'losing' goals, and the former Bury man is no different – although his three other strikes in the last week are some consolation.

"I was delighted to pick up where I left off at Gateshead and get another goal against Alfreton," John-Lewis told the Telegraph.

"I thought I was claiming a second one as well, but it looks like that it's gone down as an own goal now.

"I guess I'm going to have to get that one back at Aldershot tomorrow!

"I feel really good and confident at the moment, though. To be honest, after getting a few goals in pre-season, I've felt really confident since then.

"In the first three games, it didn't happen for me and I took a bit of stick but once you've got that first goal, as a striker, you start to relax and things start going in.

"It's very pleasing and I'm very happy to have a few to my name already, but the most important thing is that we've got our wins now and we're flying."

The Mariners kicked-off the campaign in frustrating style with three successive draws before running riot over the Bank Holiday weekend.

John-Lewis continued: "It was important that, as a team, we made the Gateshead result count and backed it up against Alfreton at home.

"Thankfully we did that and it made for a pretty incredible weekend.

"In some respects it was probably a bit unexpected, but even in those first three games we were making chances – we just couldn't take them.

"The lads always believed that we could take our chances and that if we did, it could be a riot, but especially at Gateshead, not many people outside of the club saw that coming.

"To then follow it up with seven against Alfreton was incredible and it's given everyone a huge boost."

Andy Scott's Shots are next in the firing line for John-Lewis and his goal-hungry Mariners team-mates.

And after scoring in a 3-0 victory at the Recreation Ground last October, the forward is hoping for more of the same in Hampshire this time around.

"We're getting players back now and we're fully flowing again," he remarked. "But the two games have gone now and it's about looking forward to the Aldershot game – we've got to focus on that.

"You can't necessarily expect to score seven every week, but we have to maintain that level of performance now.

"It was pleasing to score so many goals over one weekend and we made a statement to the rest of the league, but we just want to win games – however it happens.

"Aldershot have started very well and have got a good team down there. It's going to be a tough game but we've got to go there and look to stamp our authority on things, like we have in the last two."

The Londoner's burgeoning partnership with Jon-Paul Pittman – and potential return of Ross Hannah from injury – makes tomorrow's clash even more mouth-watering.

"From the first training session that JP had with us, we seemed to link up really well together and it seemed to work well against Alfreton," he said.

"We've got a good understanding and it seems to come naturally.

"I've been used to playing with Ross and I think that works well also, so it's good for the gaffer to know that he's got different options up top.

"The dressing room is absolutely buzzing at the minute – of course it is after scoring 13 goals in one weekend – it's just about keeping that going for as long as possible now."

SIX council staff were sacked and another resigned before a disciplinary hearing, the council's latest fraud report has revealed.

Four others received warnings about their conduct from North East Lincolnshire Council chiefs.

The council staff were dismissed for reasons including theft, misuse of information and abuse of the time management system, according to the report. It covered the period from April 2013 to March 2014.

Council leader Chris Shaw said there is an ongoing fight against the theft of public money and he pledged action against those who try to steal money, both from inside and outside of the organisation.

In the previous 12 months there had been one member of staff dismissed and six disciplinary hearings.

This year's fraud report highlighted the case of former council printer, Andrew Wade, who was locked up for four months after using council materials and facilities to do printing jobs for clients, alongside his job for the council.

In the court hearing he was ordered to repay the council £1,400.

Another case resulted in a suspended one-year jail sentence being imposed on a member of council staff. Brian Drake was responsible for the Empty Homes Grant scheme during his time at North East Lincolnshire Council.

He admitted five counts of fraud by false representation between July 13, 2007, and April 30, 2008.

The report also covered benefit fraud, which showed a marked decline in the amount of money stolen in council tax or benefit fraud, including Department of Work and Pensions benefits.

There were successful prosecutions against 23 individuals for benefit fraud, down from 35 the previous year.

A further 14 individuals were offered and accepted either a penalty or a caution as an alternative to prosecution.

Overpaid benefit, including DWP benefits, amounting to £222,663.50, was identified as a result of officers' investigations.

That is down from the £446,000 from the year before.

Benefit fraud investigation to March this year also identified a further £674,753.11 in overpaid benefits, including benefits administered by DWP, where no prosecution or sanction was sought.

That was up from the previous year's figure of £548,000.

However, action will be taken in all cases to recover the money.

Councillor Shaw said: "The risk of fraud can be substantial to a large and complex organisation such as a local council, so we have to be thorough in our anti-fraud measures.

"Although there are some people who do try to get something to which they are not entitled, this report shows that they are in the minority and that when they are discovered, they are brought to justice. Crime doesn't pay, and this annual fraud report clearly demonstrates that."

If you suspect someone is committing benefit or council tax fraud, call the fraud hotline on 01472 326298 or, alternatively, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/resident/report

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PAUL Hurst won't rule out bringing in another striker before the transfer window closes on Monday – but it isn't likely to be Ricky Miller.

The Grimsby Town boss has this week allowed Alan Connell to exit the club after a three-week stay.

However, after 13 goals in the Mariners' last two matches, Hurst is satisfied with his remaining attacking options.

And reports that Luton frontman Miller – who was previously linked with Town – could be available on loan don't appear of interest to the manager either.

"The results that we've just had mean it's maybe not a pressing issue, but you're always looking," Hurst remarked.

"I still think we could do with another body in there along the way – possibly a striker.

"If a player was available and everything was right, I'm sure we'd act on that, but the transfer deadline is more of an issue for the Premier League and certainly higher up than our division.

"The loan window reopens a week after that and there are obviously emergency loan deals possible as well.

"And we haven't got a midweek game next week before the Welling match on the Saturday, so it isn't too much of an issue at the moment."

On Miller, who netted 28 times for Boston United last season before his summer move to Kenilworth Road, Hurst continued: "He hasn't had the opportunities at Luton yet.

"I'd heard that was a possibility in terms of his availability but I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

"He earned his move and had a really good season, and I'm not knocking the lad at all – it's just not one that will be happening at this time."

Explaining Connell's departure, after just three Town appearances, Hurst added: "We looked at the situation and probably Alan wouldn't have featured as much as he'd like.

"It was never a case of him showing a bad attitude or anything like that – I've got the utmost respect for him.

"And to give him the best chance of getting a club and getting his season underway we came to the conclusion that it was best if he moved on.

"It was my decision, but I think Alan was in agreement – let's put it that way."

A YEAR-long dispute over a barking dog came to a head when its owner viciously attacked a neighbour with a machete.

Reginald Carter, 56, formerly of Thornton Crescent, Cleethorpes, was jailed at Grimsby Crown Court for four years and three months after admitting wounding Philip Prancuilis with the machete on December 22.

As a result of the attack, Mr Prancuilis needed hospital treatment and was temporarily left with no movement in his left hand, as the tendons had been severed.

Sentencing Carter, Judge Paul Watson QC said it was clear he had intended to cause his neighbour serious harm, adding: "It is a remarkable and tragic case that I have to sentence you at the age of 56 years."

Prosecuting, Michele Stuart-Lofthouse told the court both men, who were of similar age, lived on ground-floor flats in Thonton Crescent, off Sandringham Road.

She said the neighbourly dispute had escalated over the previous 12 months and stemmed from the barking of Carter's dog.

The prosecutor told how a few weeks prior to the machete attack Carter and his neighbour clashed and Mr Prancuilis shouted at him: "I wish you would move out."

On December 22 at 10.30pm, Carter arrived home and there was an exchange of words between the neighbours.

The two men pushed one another and came to blows, the court heard.

Due to the disturbance, other neighbours came out of their homes and separated the two men.

Later, after the neighbours had returned to their homes, Carter called at his neighbour's back door.

Ms Stuart-Lofthouse said Mr Prancuilis thought his neighbour "looked as if he wanted a fight".

He then saw he had what he thought was a large carving knife, which Carter used to slash his hand.

The prosecutor said the victim was treated at hospital and suffered a "severe and lasting impact".

She said detectives later found the machete in Carter's home. It had been newly-washed and returned to a drawer, but there were traces of blood which matched Mr Prancuilis' DNA.

In interview he said the injury his neighbour suffered was as a result of "tripping on the floor".

For Carter, Richard Hackfath said his client had "lost his temper in a catastrophic way", adding: "He bitterly regrets what he did. He is ashamed."

The defence barrister said it had been a single blow which caused only a single injury.

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WOULD you like to drench Grimsby Town director John Fenty - and boss Paul Hurst - with an ice bucket?

Well, Grimsby Town are giving supporters the chance to do just that at the upcoming clash with Welling United.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has become an internet sensation with which millions of participants - from celebrities to politicians - being drenched in buckets of ice cold water, to raise money and awareness for good causes.

Fenty has volunteered to take the plunge if the club can reach a target of £500 in donations, which will be shared between St Andrews Hospice and the club's own Youth Development Fund.

If donations were to reach £1,000, then Hurst has pledged to join in the fun!

The person (s) who makes the biggest donation will have the chance of personally pouring the water at the game with the Wings on September 6.

You can make a donation online at ww.gtfc.co.uk, or by calling 01472 605050, or by popping into the GTFC ticket office at Blundell Park.

A NEW hourly bus – serving Bradley Park to New Waltham – will run from 9am on Monday following customer requests to Stagecoach. As reported, the bus company embarked on a comprehensive public consultation ahead of its planned £4-million investment in new buses this autumn. A series of roadshows have been held to ask the public what they think about current services and timetables – and hundreds have responded. And, after analysing the responses, Stagecoach bosses have reviewed the timetable for the current number 12 route from Bradley Park to New Waltham, which goes via the town centre and Cleethorpes. A spokesman said: "Some customers said that, while the route itself was ideal, the time of the buses could be more convenient, particularly early morning and evenings. "As a result we have reviewed the timetable and adapted it to fit in with the passengers' requests by introducing additional journeys to start the hourly service from 9am." Operations manager Helen Smith added: "We do listen to customers and, wherever possible, want to create a transport system that fits with their needs. "The point of this consultation is to ensure that when we roll out our new vehicles we are providing a timetable and buses that provide the ease of use, comfort and travel needs of our passengers. "We might not be able to satisfy every single suggestion but we are ruling nothing out and we will do everything we can to make them possible." As reported, as part of the £4-million investment, 28 new vehicles will be serving the Grimsby and Cleethorpes bus network from the end of November. The investment is the biggest spend on new vehicles for the area in nearly a decade and will replace half the entire Stagecoach fleet in Grimsby. Five of the new buses will be double-deckers used on the route between Grimsby and Louth. The other 23 single deckers will be used in the town and surrounding areas.

A woman told of her passionate encounter with a married doctor after he turned up at her home and unclasped her bra.

Dr Omar Makki allegedly began an affair with the woman days after treating her at The Roxton Practice, Keelby.

They exchanged emails and phone calls before the trainee GP invited himself round to her home, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service heard.

The woman, who cannot be named, said they kissed and took off each other's upper clothing as she straddled him in the living room on July 17, 2012.

The patient, who worked for the NHS, claimed the medic pursued her 'emotionally and sexually' through a string of texts and emails.

But the Iraq-born medic told her she had 'ruined my life' when she confessed the fling to another doctor at the surgery.

Giving evidence she told the Manchester hearing she felt the doctor's advances were a 'mentally sadistic process' as he knew she suffered from anxiety and depression.

She said: 'I respect GPs. They are a pillar of society. I respect them.

'It took a lot of courage to come forward for that reason because what would people think of me in comparison to a GP, who are meant to be trustworthy and not meant to do these things.

'It was a taxing, awkward and frightening situation to be in.'

The doctor admits engaging in an inappropriate relationship by sending personal text and email messages, but denies engaging in any physical contact or pursuing a sexual relationship.

He is facing a fitness to practise hearing in Manchester where he could face being struck off if the allegations are proved.

The tribunal heard that the woman first met Dr Makki at the Keelby surgery, part of the Roxton Practice, on July 12, 2012.

Dr Makki allegedly knew she was 'vulnerable' after she told him she had suffered anxiety and depression since she was a teenager.

At the end of the consultation she told the doctor: 'I feel like a private patient I have been here so long,' the panel heard.

The NHS employee emailed Dr Makki on July 17 when she couldn't make the follow-up appointment, it was said.

During the subsequent email exchange the patient asked if Dr Makki wanted to go for coffee before he suggested meeting somewhere 'out of the way'.

They spoke on the phone and Dr Makki asked if she was home alone and asked to come round, it is alleged.

Just 15 minutes later the doctor arrived at her home, the hearing was told.

'There was no "hello, how are you?" he proceeded as I stood there to pull me towards him, to grab me and to kiss me,' she said, giving evidence.

She said she offered him a drink, but Dr Makki replied: 'No, I don't want a drink, I just want you.'

The NHS worker then straddled the doctor in her living room and unbuttoned his shirt, a fitness to practise panel heard.

'He asked me if I wanted his c***,' she told the hearing.

'He put his hands across my breasts and then lifted my T-shirt off over my head.

'He then moved his hands round my back and unclasped my bra.'

The tribunal heard that while touching and kissing her breasts Dr Makki told her 'you have got really nice nipples'.

But Dr Makki admitted he was married after his patient spotted a wedding ring on his finger, the panel heard.

The woman says they did not make love on that occasion, but arranged to meet up for sex at a later date.

'This person was a GP. He was at my house, full of passion for me,' she said.

'It was a shock. I'm not saying it was a horrible shock, but I was shocked and it was difficult to know how to respond to that.

'Everything was moving quickly and he was making it move quickly.'

The hearing was told that at the end of the visit Dr Makki nodded when the woman said: 'I guess this means we're having an affair.'

She told the panel that there was no more physical contact with the doctor, but they exchanged saucy texts detailing what they 'wanted to do to each other.'

Dr Makki allegedly asked her to send him pictures of herself while she was at work to 'cheer me up' and told her 'wow, you look gorgeous' and 'you look like a model'.

But she said: 'I was beginning to feel uncomfortable at that stage. I felt he was twisting things to his advantage and being quite manipulative.'

She told the panel that he had been very rude to her after saying his wife was becoming suspicious after seeing one of her text messages.

Things came to a head on August 10, 2012 when she accused Dr Makki of acting inappropriately during an appointment with another doctor.

She later received a message from the doctor that read: 'What? Are you serious you did that? Do you want to destroy my life? Is that what I deserve? Please tell me you didn't, please.

'I have a family please think of them. I didn't ever mean to hurt you. Oh my God, you've ruined my life and my future.'

Russell Davies, defending, said: 'The doctor's position remains that he strenuously denies attending Patient A's home as she has described today.'

The woman admitted she fancied the doctor after their first meeting today.

Patient A has claimed that Dr Makki was 'overfamiliar' and 'tactile' during the appointment.

Russell Davies, defending, suggested the consultation on 12 July 2012 had been unremarkable and entirely appropriate.

Asked if she fancied him, she said: 'Yes, probably a little. I would say he was reasonably physically attractive man. I found his personality slightly seductive.'

The tribunal has heard how Patient A contacted Dr Makki via the internal NHS email system to apologise for being unable to make a follow-up appointment on July 17.

She claims the doctor's response was 'casual and friendly' and she replied by asking: 'Do you fancy going for a coffee'.

Mr Davies suggested she was encouraged by the email, which supported her interpretation that the doctor was attracted to her.

The doctor then sent an email, which read: 'Sure, love to. When?

There then followed a phone call after Patient A told the GP: 'Give me a buzz and we'll take it from there.'

She says Dr Makki asked her if she was alone and if he could come round before arriving at her home just 15 minutes later.

However, the doctor strenuously denies ever attending her home, engaging in a physical relationship or pursuing her sexually.

Mr Davies said to Patient A: 'I will be suggesting to you that you are a woman who has in the past behaved irrationally.

'I will be suggesting you behaved irrationally particularly when things didn't go your way or when you have had a drink.'

The hearing continues.