Disgraced NHS boss Paula Vasco-Knight collapses in court during trial for fraud
Former nurse bought to book after giving £11k worth of public funds to graphic design firm that hubby ran from shed
A DISGRACED health chief collapsed in the dock yesterday as she was sentenced for paying her husband £11,000 of NHS cash.
He failed to complete a leaflet on equality and diversity.
Cops probing the missing cash were handed the booklet which contained empty pages and lifted text.
Ex-nurse Vasco-Knight rose to earn £200,000 a year as boss of South Devon NHS Trust.
She admitted fraud in January.
At yesterday’s sentencing she shook and wept before medics dashed into Exeter crown court to treat her.
She later left with family.
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She was given a 16-month suspended jail term and 250 hours’ unpaid work.
Her husband, 46, admitted fraud by submitting an invoice to the trust.
He got a ten-month sentence suspended for two years plus 150 hours’ unpaid work.
Recorder Don Tait told the couple: “This is a monumental fall from grace.
“I seldom see offenders so utterly devastated by the enormity of what you so stupidly did.
“You took money from an NHS budget which we all know is under the severest pressure for resources.”