Bradford lie detector test used for fraud case
A Bradford lie detector test could have helped in a recent fraud case. Former Bradford social worker Hillary Tideswell defrauded two vulnerable victims out of their life-savings. Tideswell is now due to pay back more than £500,000.
The case
Hillary Tideswell, 65, has been in jail for seven years and nine months for money laundering offences in 2020. She was also guilty of fraud by abuse of position and fraud by false representation. Leeds Crown Court have said she needs to pay £530,347.96, or face an additional jail term. Her husband, David Tideswell, is also under trail for money laundering. He has to now pay £67,577.88 and spend two years in jail.
Her accomplice
West Yorkshire Police said Tideswell, who worked for Bradford Council, carried out the offences between 2010 and 2016 after befriending two elderly victims.
Ramona Senior, from the force’s economic crime unit, said Tideswell created legal documents without their knowledge, which, in one case allowed her to sell off the victim’s assets, leaving them £60,000 in debt. “Tideswell has left a trail of financial and emotional devastation behind her and now the courts have said her ill-gotten gains are to be taken from her, along with those of her husband David, who also played his part in this criminal enterprise.” she added.
An abuse of trust
Following her conviction, Kim Holden of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “Tideswell was entrusted to care for some of the most vulnerable people in society. She used this power for her own selfish gain. Taking over half-a-million pounds and spending it lavishly”. “Criminality of this nature represents an appalling abuse of trust,” she added. They were both given three months to pay, or face a further five years on their original sentences.
Lie detector testing
A Bradford lie detector test used by social services employing Tideswell at the time could have deterred Tideswell from committing the offences. More and more employers across financial sectors, and private health sectors are now making it part of their employment scheme for employees to take regular lie detector tests.
If you suspect an employee guilty of committing fraud then book a lie detector test online today. You can also call our free helpline on 07572 748364 for further advice and booking information.
