INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Invergordon support worker defrauded college for people with additional needs by failing to carry out work

A support worker defrauded a specialist college for young adults with special needs of over £1600 by failing to carry out work for which he had invoiced.

Daniel Balfour of Ord Terrace, Invergordon had started his own business and got work with the Cantraybridge College in Croy between November 8, 2019 and November 23, 2019.

But Inverness Sheriff Court was told that Balfour failed to carry out his 10 hours a week required duties of helping a service user with tasks including shopping and cleaning.

However Balfour still submitted invoices for the time involved until a check was made on the service user's property and no cleaning had been done.

Balfour admitted a charge of fraudulently obtaining a total of £1,672.75p from the organisation.

When charged, Balfour told police he was signed off sick.

Defence solicitor Patrick O'Dea said his client's career in the casre industry was over and he was suffering "emotionally and financially".

He added: "It was a new venture for him. He knows he has let down the service user and he would wish to repay this money.

"But he will struggle at the moment. He is seeking new employment."

Sheriff Neil Kinnear said he was considering a fine and compensation but added: "I don't want to set him up to fail."

He deferred sentence on the 32-year-old until November 10 for a background report.