A DORSET Police officer jailed for fraud has now been ordered to pay back more than £100,000 by a judge.

Matthew Littlefair, 37, of Alderholt, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison in November 2021 after admitting fraud by false representation.

The charge related to the former police constable fraudulently claiming to be unfit for work between October 2017 and July 2020.

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Littlefair resigned from the Force prior to the sentencing and following internal misconduct proceedings he was also found guilty of gross misconduct and it was ruled that if he had still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed.

A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, September 8 found the total benefit figure from Littlefair’s offending amounted to £111,226.56.

The available amount was found to be £131,216, a sum that included the value of the defendant’s home which he then sold so the full amount could be repaid.

READ MORE: Jailed PC Matthew Littlefair now found guilty of gross misconduct

Detective Constable Scott Brimicombe, of Dorset Police’s economic crime unit, said: “Matthew Littlefair’s offending saw him fraudulently claiming his publicly funded salary for a significant period of time while he was claiming to be unfit for work.

“We are determined to use the legislation available to us under the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that wherever possible offenders are forced to repay the funds they have obtained through fraudulent means.”

Superintendent Paul Kessell, Dorset Police’s head of professional standards said: “This was a totally unacceptable crime that in no way represents the ethics of the police service or the thousands of hard working staff and officers who protect the public every day.

“We fully support the court’s decision and ruling.”

As reported, Dorset Police’s Counter Corruption Unit was made aware of concerns of the legitimacy of Littlefair’s claims and launched an investigation, which was supervised by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A surveillance team was deployed as part of the investigation and on several occasions they witnessed Littlefair drive to remote locations to take part in activity such as walking his dog or running.

A search was conducted at his address in May 2020 and officers found six pharmacy bags containing prescription medication dating back to October 2019. Only two of the bags had been opened and a very small amount of the medication used.

Analysis of seized digital devices identified compelling evidence, which revealed that Littlefair was leading an active life throughout his period of sickness.