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A SACKED policeman who lied to get a job as a fraud investigator with Southend Council has been sentenced to 100 hours community service.

Gordon Taole, 40, claimed he left his job with the Metropolitan Police child abuse investigation unit for personal reasons, rather than admitting to the council he had been fired.

Taole, a former detective constable with the Met, worked for nearly three months before bosses checked out his references and suspended him.

He admitted dishonesty at an earlier hearing and returned to Basildon Crown Court yesterday for sentence.

He was dismissed by the Met Police over unauthorised contact with witnesses. It was stressed in court, however, this was nothing to do with any kind of sexual impropriety.

Michael Fraser, prosecuting, said: "He wrote on his application form his reason for leaving was frustration at lack of promotion opportunities and at Metropolitan Police practices. This was untrue.

"He was, in fact, dismissed. It was an unsophisticated attempt to dishonestly gain employment."

However, the council failed to check Taole's references before hiring him.

It was only when his poor performance was highlighted, council managers found out he had lied.

Taole, of Windemere Avenue, Purfleet, worked for the council last year, from September 17 until December 21. For some of that time, he was suspended and under investigation.

He was invited to the Civic Centre on January 4 to meet managers and was arrested.

The council claimed compensation of more than £6,000 in court.

His lawyer, Tom Baker, said: "Mr Taole had an unblemished record in the police from when he joined in 2003, until 2006.

"In 2003 he received a Met Commissioner's commendation for professionalism and dedication in diversity training.

"His dismissal has had a profound effect on his life."

Judge Gavyn Arthur told Taole: "You are a person of good character and ought to have known better.

"It was probably desperation at having lost your entire career which drove you to this."

5:28pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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