29.08.18
Case file of former Liverpool boss handed on to Crown Prosecution Service
CORRECTION NOTICE
A previous version of this story, dated 24 August, contained inaccuracies relating to Ged Fitzgerald's involvement in the case. PSE would like to clarify that Mr Fitzgerald has not been accused of fraud, and his suspension last September was not related to financial irregularities in any contract. We would like to retract our reference to him as Liverpool's 'disgraced' former boss, and apologise profusely for the mistake and any damage caused by this.
A case file of evidence compiled by Lancashire Police on four men, including former Liverpool City Council boss Ged Fitzgerald and three other executives, has been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Fitzgerald resigned from his role as chief executive in May while police carried out an investigation titled 'Operation Sheridan,' which related to alleged financial irregularities at Lancashire Council's joint venture with BT called One Connect.
The former Liverpool boss was suspected of witness intimidation and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice last year. However, Fitzgerald was not charged with any wrongdoing and has not been linked to any suspicion of fraud.
The three other men involved in the case are Lancashire council leader Geoff Driver, Fitzgerald's successor Phil Halsall, and One Connect chief executive David McElhinney.
Lancashire Constabulary has now announced that the evidence gathered as part of the operation has been passed onto the CPS for consideration.
A CPS spokesperson said: "We received a file of evidence from Lancashire Police in relation to allegations of fraud. This is a complex file which will now be considered in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and a decision will be made in due course."
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: "In September 2013 Lancashire County Council referred to Lancashire Constabulary some allegations of financial irregularity.
"An investigation was launched and following a complex and lengthy enquiry a file of evidence has now been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration. The investigative bail period has now been suspended as a result of the file being submitted."