DO given suspended sentence for fraud

A South London DO who defrauded more than £80,000 from PCTs has received a suspended jail sentence and 120 hours' community service order after pleading guilty at Southwark Crown Court.

Ronald Preedy, aged 64, who owned Preedy the Family Opticians in Wallington, Surrey, pleaded guilty to nine counts of obtaining money transfer by deception.

Eighteen further counts were ordered to remain on the court file and Preedy was ordered to pay costs of £20,000.

The court heard last Friday that Preedy was registered with the GOC as a dispensing optician. Nevertheless, he routinely carried out sight tests, and claimed fees from health trusts including Bromley, Croydon and Kingston PCTs.