Court hearing over NHS ‘fraud’

Trevor Cosson, 37, of Tenterden Rise, Hastings, faces fraud and money laundering allegations relating to his time as Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust as head of financial accounting.

He allegedly authorised £1.4 million worth of payments to be made to his bank account between July 2008 and August 2012.

Cosson is also accused of transferring a further £800,000 into his own bank account after stating the money was meant for St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards-on-Sea.

Wearing a dark grey suit, black shirt and grey tie, Cosson spoke only to confirm his name during his 10-minute hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court.

He joined the NHS in 2001 and worked his way up to head of finance at the former Hastings and Rother PCT.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before the court on July 25 for a plea and case management hearing.

He faces eight allegations of fraud, nine allegations of converting criminal property and four of acquiring criminal property.