A POLICE chief who swindled thousands of pounds from two community organisations was today warned he faces jail.

Superintendent Andrew Carr, 47, who served with Wiltshire Police, abused his role as treasurer for a school Parent Teacher Association and a local Scout group.

The senior policeman failed to deposit payments from various fundraising events into the bank accounts of the Orchid Vale Primary School PTA in Swindon and the 7th Swindon Scouts.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard he stole in the region of £14,000 from the two organisations over the course of 18 months.

Carr also falsified a scrutineer's report to the Scout's committee and an independent examiner's report to the trustees of the group executive in a bid to cover his tracks.

The court heard he forged five cheques and lied to Scout leader Colin Hall that money had been paid into an account.

Suspicions were raised in September last year and a police investigation began.

Carr, who was initially suspended after being charged with fraud but has since been sacked, pleaded guilty to 11 fraud offences in court today.

The charges all relate to matters of fraud by abuse of position, forgery and false accounting.

Nathan Rasiah, prosecuting, told the court Carr had no previous convictions and has since paid all the money he took back to the two organisations.

Recorder Don Tait adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports and warned Carr he could go to jail.

He said: "Because I am adjourning the case, that should not give you any indication as to the possible sentence.

"I'm sure you understand these are serious offences in breach of trust.

"I will not be the sentencing judge but I anticipate the court will have a custodial sentence of some description upper most in their mind."

Carr was released on unconditional bail and will be sentenced next month.

After today's hearing, Sarah Grayland, chair of the school PTA, said: "We are very happy at the outcome and are looking forward to putting this behind us.

"It has been a very stressful time for all the PTA but we have had overwhelming support from the school and the parents."

Wiltshire Police held a Special Case Misconduct hearing on Wednesday, May 11. The hearing was chaired by Chief Constable Mike Veale and took place in private.

The decision to hold the hearing in private was made, further to consideration of the relevant Police Conduct Regulations, in order to ensure there would be no prejudice or compromise to the ongoing criminal trial.

Andrew Carr was dismissed from Wiltshire Police without notice.

Chief Constable Mike Veale said: “We held a misconduct meeting in May and dismissed Andrew Carr from the Force with immediate effect. I can only express my dismay and disappointment that his behaviour fell below what is expected of any member of the Force. Our values are clear and any officer or member of staff will face disciplinary action should they fail to meets these standards and in cases such as this criminal action.

“This is a stark reminder of the important role that police officers and staff have in our society in relation to the requirement to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour. I expect them to act with the utmost integrity at all times including conduct whilst on and off duty.

“As I am sure you would imagine, many colleagues who worked with Andrew have been deeply shocked by this case. The majority of my staff meet the values and behaviours to a very high standard and are proud to work for Wiltshire Police and uphold the law.”