Former Adam Smith College director in court on fraud charges

Leigh Berridge is accused of inducing the Scottish Government to hand over the cash to Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy.

The scheme allegedly occurred between 2008 and 2012.

Berridge (46), of Cupar, is said to have been a director of the institution’s European Funding Department.

The accusation centres around information allegedly provided regarding staffing costs in respect of EU-funded projects.

Prosecutors claim it was pretended that the college was “entitled to recoup” costs.

It is said forms and documentation were submitted which contained “fabricated” information.

The indictment further states auditors were also given false details about costs in “an attempt to to conceal” the alleged “criminality”.

The college is said to have obtained £3.3m of cash from the Scottish Government that it was not entitled to with an attempt to get another £127,000.

Berridge yesterday (Monday) faced a charge of being involved in a fraudulent scheme during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Anna Milligan, of Leven, also appeared in the dock accused of the same offence.

The 60 year-old was said to be the college’s business development manager at the department Berridge was director of.

But, prosecutor Iain McSporran said the case against Milligan was being dropped.

Judge Lord Burns told her: “The Crown has deserted the charge against you. You are acquitted and are free to go.”

Berridge will return to court for a further hearing in April. No trial date was fixed.

Adam Smith College has since merged with Carnegie College to form Fife College.