Aberdeen Council employee embezzled more than £1m over 17 years

A employee has admitted embezzling greater than £1m from Aberdeen Metropolis Council.

Michael Paterson, 59, exploited his place as a council tax and restoration group chief when he took the cash.

The Excessive Courtroom in Edinburgh heard Paterson’s crimes occurred over 17 years between November 2006 and September 2023.

Sentence was deferred till July.

Paterson began stealing to repay money owed however had continued to take the cash, which he spent on himself, together with on overseas holidays and consuming out.

The court docket heard he was nonetheless in debt on the time of his arrest.

Prosecutor Brian Gill KC instructed the court docket that Paterson had unsupervised authority to difficulty council tax refunds of as much as £3,000.

He may additionally alter payee account particulars with out “authorisation or verification”, which he did to switch cash to himself.

Mr Gill stated that Paterson had realised that he may gain advantage in conditions the place a householder had left a property and had not reclaimed for overpayment of their council tax.

The rip-off labored till a colleague observed {that a} refund of greater than £2,000 had been made on a pc system utilizing Paterson’s username.

She reported her issues to bosses who launched a probe into Paterson’s actions.

Defence solicitor advocate Iain Paterson instructed the court docket his shopper was a primary offender.

Choose David Younger KC deferred sentence on Paterson for background experiences.

He stated: “You’ll perceive that it’s a sturdy risk {that a} appreciable custodial sentence will likely be imposed on you on this case.”

Paterson was remanded in custory and will likely be sentenced on 5 July on the Excessive Courtroom in Edinburgh.

A spokesperson for the council stated they have been checking their information and will likely be in contact with anybody affected.

“The council apologises to any resident affected.

“The council’s monetary controls and processes – together with council tax refund preparations – have been reviewed and strengthened.”