Government at work: £450k to probe £90 bill

By SUN ONLINE REPORTER
The Sun
Aug. 12, 2006

A COP today attacked bosses for wasting £450,000 investigating him over an expense claim for just £90.

PC Jason Lobo was suspended on full pay for THREE YEARS while a probe was carried out into the petrol bill.

A court cleared him of any wrongdoing last year — but Lancashire police pressed ahead with their own investigation.

At a hearing this week, PC Lobo admitted he had mistakenly claimed £90 expenses, and was fined seven days' pay.

Bosses have told him he can return to work after concluding the over-claim was a genuine mistake.

But PC Lobo, 37, from Blackburn, is now suing the force for racial discrimination.

In a statement, he said: “I loved my job, but now need time to reflect and consider whether the police service is an organisation that I still wish to be part of.

“Throughout the last three years my name has been publicly damaged, my integrity has been questioned and I have been accused of being corrupt.

“I believe this has been a gross misuse of public money for which somebody ought to be held accountable.”

The Lancashire Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, is demanding a review of disciplinary procedures.

Chairman Steve Edwards said: “This case has removed a dedicated police officer from the streets for three years."

Lancashire police declined to comment.