Karl Lavender, 44, from Stretton, Stafford, submitted altered, inflated and false timesheets under the direction of recruitment consultant Adam Kilgallon. The fraud took place between September 2022 and June 2024 while Lavender was contracted to work for Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust (DIHC).
Court Hearing Details
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 27, it was revealed that Lavender benefited by £40,614.98. However, Judge Fowler ordered him to repay just £330, the amount of his available assets. The confiscation order will be paid to Black Country Integrated Care Board. Lavender has until September 21 to pay or faces two weeks in jail.
Lavender had previously admitted two counts of fraud by false representation and received a 22-month suspended sentence on February 17, 2025. He was also ordered to undergo a 12-month mental health treatment programme and a 62-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Accomplice Also Punished
Kilgallon, 39, from Twickenham, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation and was handed a 22-month suspended sentence. He was ordered to pay back £1,295.58 following a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in June, despite having available assets of £184,000. He was also subject to a three-month alcohol treatment programme, 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 175 hours of unpaid work.
Investigation Details
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) discovered the scheme. Lavender was employed as a locum paramedic by a private clinical staffing agency from 2017 until 2024. He was managed by Kilgallon, who was responsible for managing NHS clients and candidates in the Midlands area. Kilgallon did not receive any payments from Lavender but earned commission by keeping Lavender in work at DIHC. Lavender was based at two GP surgeries in Dudley: St James Medical Practice and Eve Hill Medical Practice.
Official Statement
Ben Harrison, head of operations and engagement at the NHSCFA, said: "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."
The total amount defrauded from the NHS was £40,614.98, but the court only recovered a fraction due to Lavender's limited assets. The case underscores ongoing challenges in recovering proceeds from NHS fraud.
