Man jailed for fraud in Taplow
He conned his employer by setting up a fictitious company
Last updated 6th Sep 2021
A man has been sentenced for fraud in Taplow.
53-year-old Terry Playford-Smith of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court.
At a previous hearing, on 11 May 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position.
Fictitious
Between August 2018 and September 2019, Playford-Smith, whilst working as the site manager, was responsible for overseeing the development of a property, that was expected to reach a value of £4.5million, in Hitcham Lane at Taplow.
Playford-Smith was provided money in relation to plumbing and heating works by his employer, however he set up a fictitious company, of which he purported to be the owner, and claimed they would be carrying out the works instead.
Over £51,000, was paid into an account controlled by Playford-Smith and he was also personally paid over £6,000 to carry out landscaping works.
He did not complete most of the work and what work was carried out, was of a sub-standard quality.
Of the money that was paid to him and his fictitious company, Playford-Smith spent it on holidays, days out and shopping.
Investigating officer, DC Arshid Ali, based at Maidenhead police station, said:
“Playford-Smith was in a position of trust at a site where he was expected to oversee the development of a luxury property.
“He was trusted to be in charge in the absence of senior management, however he abused this trust in a calculated manner evidenced by the setting up of a fake company, receiving money from his employer into accounts controlled by himself, money which he then spent on himself.
“His actions resulted in a significant delay for the company in completing the work and incurring tens of thousands of pounds in fees and additional costs to check and repair any of the work overseen by Playford-Smith.
“He will now serve a custodial sentence for his actions.”