Man jailed for fraud of parish council – Slough

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for fraud offences of a parish council in Slough.

Steven Gillingwater, aged 36, of Kendal Close, Slough, was sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (26/5).

He pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation and one count of theft by employee.

In May 2023, Gillingwater was employed by Colnbrook and Poyle Parish Council as a Parish Council Clerk to manage administration and finances.

He was dismissed from his position in October 2023. On the return of the parish cheque book it was identified there were blank cheque stubs. When contacting the bank, it was confirmed that 18 cheques were paid into Gillingwater’s personal account between July and September 2023.

Gillingwater and another councillor were both authorised to sign cheques, with two signatures needed for each one. Gillingwater had forged the other signatory on each of the 18 cheques.

He was arrested on 28 February 2024.

Upon further review, it was discovered that another 10 cheques had been written by Gillingwater, making it a total of 28 cheques. The total amount of money taken from the parish council and deposited into his account was £65,828.24. A remaining four were deposited in the personal bank accounts of third parties known to Gillingwater.

A second police interview commenced on 26 February 2025 following the discovery of the further 10 cheques. Handwriting analysis was conducted by an expert witness who confirmed that there was very strong support for the proposition that the cheques were produced by some person other than the victim, writing in imitation of the victim’s signature style.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Georgina Adey of the Berkshire Central Fraud Unit, said: “Gillingwater portrayed himself as an upstanding member of the community by working for the Colnbrook and Polye Parish Council as a Parish Clerk in charge of finances and administration. He abused this position of trust by writing cheques, forging signatures and paying them into his own bank account, and the accounts of others.

“He stole 60% of the Parish Council's budget over three months, depriving the local residents of funds that could help their community - they are the true victims in this case.

“I am pleased with this conviction, which comes after Gillingwater pled guilty at the final stage of the thorough and extensive investigation by officers from the Berkshire Fraud team.

“The sentence reflects the severity of the offence and I hope it will act as a deterrent to others and demonstrate our commitment to pursue those who exploit trust for financial gain and bring them to justice on behalf of victims.”

FO