A FORMER Dorset Police officer who defrauded the force out of around £150,000 will not face the prospect of having his prison term extended.

PC Matthew James Littlefair, 36 and of Alderholt, was jailed for two years and three months after pleading guilty to an offence of fraud by false representation.

Following the sentencing at Salisbury Crown Court on November 3, the sentence was referred to the Attorney General's Office to request a review through the unduly lenient sentence process.

However, the offence of fraud by false representation is not one that is covered by the scheme.

As reported, Littlefair was involved in a minor road traffic collision in Hampshire while he was off duty and subsequently attended hospital for injuries including whiplash and back pain.

After being discharged from hospital, he reported as unfit for duty and took sick leave from work.

In April 2018 Littlefair attempted a return to work with adjustments, such as home working and reduced hours, but claimed his pain and symptoms were so severe he could not continue this as he still suffered from constant pain.

In September 2019, based on information provided by Littlefair, a medical practitioner determined Littlefair could no longer perform his duties as a frontline police officer and he was offered an ill-health award, which required a formal review in five years’ time.

Littlefair appealed the decision, claiming he was unlikely he would be able to work again in the future and an appeal hearing was initially set for March 2020 but was subsequently delayed due to the pandemic.

He continued to receive his full salary during this period.

The defendant was seen running with his dog, playing football with his children and cycling at a time when he was telling Dorset Police colleagues he was in chronic pain.

Officers from the professional standards department attended his home on May 13, 2020. Earlier that day he had been seen out running but presented as in severe pain when police spoke with him at his address.

Painkillers prescribed in October 2019 were found barely used.

On 36 days between March 24, 2020, and May 13, 2020, a health app on the defendant’s phone recorded he had taken more than 10,000 daily steps - equivalent to around five miles.

A hair sample taken from the defendant on July 13, 2020, showed no traces of the drugs he had been prescribed, which contradicted what he had told officers.

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