Theft trial of former UDM bosses continues

Former UDM president Neil Greatrex and general secretary Mick Stevens, both 60, are accused of 14 counts of theft between June 2000 and May 2006. It is alleged they used the money to make improvements to their own homes.

This morning Notts Crown Court heard that Caroline Bothilow worked as an accountant with WH Clifford and Sons who did accounts for the UDM, Notts Miners Home and the Phoenix Care Home.

She told the court the main source of contact at the home was Greatrex and at the UDM was Stevens.

She said: “My job was to look at invoices, analyse them and check they had been paid out of the relevant bank accounts.”

“I wrote a letter about three payments to Royale Cuisines that had no invoices and asked if they could be provided.”

“I always want back-up so I can see what the payments are for and prefer to have an invoice rather than take somebodys word for it.”

She told the court Greatrex’s secretary phoned her to say she had the invoice and went to collect and record it in the books.

She added: “I took the invoices at face value and believed them to be correct and included them in the books.”

The trial continues.