Richard Gilliland denies Priory Federation of Academies fraud

11 September 2014

The former head of a group of academy schools has denied six charges of fraud by abuse of position.

Richard Gilliland, 63, used to be chief executive of the Priory Federation of Academies (PFA) in Lincolnshire.

The fraud allegations include using school credit cards for personal purchases and suppressing his son's criminal record check to get him a job.

Co-defendant Stephen Davies, former finance director of the PFA, did not enter pleas at the court hearing.

The 57-year-old, of Abingdon Avenue, Lincoln, is charged with three counts of fraud by abuse of position.

Both defendants appeared at Lincoln Magistrates' Court.

Richard Gilliland's charges

Making a gain for Equine Energy Ltd and Writtle College by causing payments to be made for a course and accommodation provided to Kia Richardson [his son]
Making a gain for himself by submitting a claim for repayment of payments made to West Bridgford Equestrian Centre, for a course provided to Kia Richardson
Making a gain for himself by submitting a claim for repayment of a payment made to the Tack Box Ltd for equestrian supplies for the benefit of Kia Richardson
Abusing his position to bring about the employment of Kia Richardson, in particular suppressing the results of a Criminal Records Bureau check
Arranging for the PFA to make overtime payments to Kia Richardson to which he was not entitled
Using, or allowing others to use, credit cards belonging to the PFA and issued to him, to make personal purchases

Making a gain for Equine Energy Ltd and Writtle College by causing payments to be made in relation to a course and accommodation provided to Kia Richardson
Making a gain for Richard Gilliland by authorising a claim for repayment of payments made to West Bridgford Equestrian Centre, for a course provided to Kia Richardson
Arranging for the PFA to make overtime payments to Kia Richardson to which he was not entitled

Mr Gilliland used to live in Collingham, Nottinghamshire, but now lives in Moraira, Spain.

The alleged offences are said to have happened on various dates between 1 October 2008 and 30 November 2011.

The case was adjourned and both men will appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 25 September.