Lee Sutherland, 34, of Pontypridd, Cardiff, cost the NHS £46,768.09 in fraudulent earnings and national insurance, pension and training costs. His successful application to work for Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS) contained false claims about his qualifications, professional grade and work experience. As a result he earned £36,440.42 as an ECP between 4th June 2007 and 30th September, 2008.

He later submitted a further false application to his former employer, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust. For each of these two counts of Fraud by False Representation (contrary to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006) he was fined £1,000. He was also ordered to pay £800 towards costs.

Based at Stroud and Dursley ambulance stations, his ECP position carried higher responsibility than a standard paramedic he would be the first responder who takes charge at an emergency before a doctor arrives. But at the time he applied for the post he had no experience either as a paramedic or in emergency nursing.

His false claim to hold a Diploma in Critical Care was crucial to his being employed in the post, where he was due to be upgraded to Band 6. His two years experience in critical care nursing in his previous post, and experience with the South Wales Mountain Rescue Team, would not in themselves have been sufficient to make the shortlist.

Debbie Lloyd, South West Operational Fraud Manager at NHS CFS, said: This case is an example of the hard work being carried out by Local Counter Fraud Specialists with our support. It is sad that Sutherland chose to overstretch himself and risk ruining his reputation rather than work honestly in a suitable job, but the public rightly demands integrity in the emergency services. NHS CFS thoroughly investigates all suspicions of fraud against the NHS and where appropriate will always press for prosecution. It will also be recommended that his professional body looks at this outcome.