Fraud Pc now faces losing his job

A 43-year-old officer who has spent his entire career in the police has been convicted of fraud and is likely to lose his job with Norfolk Constabulary.

Pc Stephen John Price, formerly of Attleborough, admitted fraud at Norwich Crown Court over an insurance claim for photographic equipment worth £2,100.

He was sentenced to 180 hours community work and must pay £1,000 costs.

Judge Peter Jacobs told Price, who now lives in Lancashire, he was "foolish" and could lose his job and pension.

His partner, Berit Hedegaard, who was involved in the fraud and also employed by Norfolk Police, was earlier sentenced to 200 hours community service.

Price admitted the charge that between 1 April and 23 May last year the pair made a false representation to AA Insurance Services.

They had claimed that a quantity of photographic equipment had been lost at Whitlingham Country Park near Norwich on 7 April.

'Mystery' to judge

Simon Thomas, prosecuting, said: "Price had searched his work website to establish the cost of the photographic equipment it was said was lost.

"Both Price and Hedegaard were members of a local diving club. She had sent e-mails to his computer about the matter."

Michael Clare, defending, said: "His career with the police force is finished. Price gained nothing from it. He realises he was involved in a fraudulent claim and wants to put it behind him."

Judge Jacobs told him: "This was a well thought out scheme after many years in the police force. You made a false insurance claim.

"Why on earth you did it in a position of responsibility as a senior police officer is a mystery to me. It is a loss of your job and pension."

Steven Fernandes of the professional standards department at Norfolk Constabulary said: "The constabulary and the public it serves rightly expect the highest standards of honesty and integrity from both police officers and members of staff.

"The force will robustly investigate any allegations of criminal activity by its employees."

Pc Price, currently suspended, is now subject to formal proceedings by the police authority regarding his position within the constabulary.

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