Local Liberal Democrats have moved quickly to distance themselves from one of their former councillors and one-time Hastings Mayor Paul Roger Smith who admitted to four charges of fraud by abuse of position in court in Hove last week.

One of the charges which Smith, (74) of Addington Grove, Lewisham, London admitted was committing fraud by abusing his position as treasurer for Hastings and Rye Liberal Democrat Association, intending to keep £4,250.16 for himself between February 15th, 2013 and March 5th, 2017.

This week local Liberal Democrats issued a statement saying: “As one of the organisations to have suffered financial loss, we express shock and deep disappointment over Paul Smith’s actions.

“He is no longer a member of the Liberal Democrats and his betrayal of his position of trust is more than upsetting.”

Current Treasurer Eve Montgomery said: “We have instituted new financial systems
which ensure greater transparency and accountability to prevent any possible future abuses, and have assisted the Police to whom we are indebted for their professionalism.”

Smith was a Liberal Democrat councillor on Hastings Borough Council and was Mayor between 1989 and 1991.

He has been ordered to appear for sentencing at the crown court on Tuesday, May 28th.

• Read full details of the charges against Smith by following the link below
• https://hastingsinfocus.co.uk/2019/05/10/towns-former-mayor-admits-fraud-by-abuse-of-position/