Karl Lavender, a former locum paramedic, has been ordered to repay just £330 following his involvement in a £40,000 fraud against the NHS.
Between September 2022 and June 2024, Lavender submitted altered, inflated, and false timesheets while working under contract for Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust (DIHC). This activity was carried out under the guidance of his accomplice, Adam Kilgallon, a recruitment consultant responsible for managing NHS clients and candidates in the Midlands region.
The 44-year-old, who was based at two GP surgeries in Dudley-St James Medical Practice and Eve Hill Medical Practice-benefited from £40,614.98 through these fraudulent claims. Despite the significant sum involved, a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday, 27 July, revealed that Lavender has just £330 in available assets.
READ MORE: Cornwall Woman Avoids Jail After £40,000 Benefit Fraud Spanning Six Years
READ MORE: Households Rush to Withdraw Cash Ahead of Inheritance Tax Changes Under Andy Burnham
Judge Fowler consequently issued a confiscation order for £330, to be paid to the Black Country Integrated Care Board. Lavender, of Stretton in Stafford, has until 21 September to make the payment, or he faces a potential two-week jail sentence.
Lavender worked as a locum paramedic from 2017 until 2024 for a private clinical staffing agency, during which time Kilgallon served as his manager. Although Kilgallon did not receive direct payments from Lavender, he earned commissions by retaining Lavender’s placement with DIHC.
Earlier this year, Lavender was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years, after admitting to two counts of fraud by false representation. His sentence also includes a 12-month mental health treatment programme and a 62-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Kilgallon, aged 39 and from Twickenham, received the same suspended sentence length upon pleading guilty to similar offences. He was also ordered to undertake a three-month alcohol treatment programme, a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and 175 hours of unpaid work. At a separate Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in June, Kilgallon was ordered to repay £1,295.58, with available assets reported at £184,000.
Ben Harrison, head of operations and engagement at the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, commented on the case:
“This conviction demonstrates the skill and dedication of our investigators, who meticulously traced the evidence through banking records, telecommunications and detailed interviews to build an irrefutable case. Over nearly two years, Lavender submitted inflated claims for shifts he never worked, directed by Kilgallon, his manager. This case highlights the importance of robust timesheet verification processes. We will continue to pursue those who defraud the NHS and ensure they face the full consequences of their actions.”