A GYNAECOLOGIST who defrauded NHS Wales of more than £47,000 by working while sick was today sentenced at Newport Crown Court (December 15, 2014), following an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (Wales).

Dr Anthony Madu, 45, worked in a number of hospitals while on paid sick leave from Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, which employed him between August 2009 and June 2010.

Madu of The Oaks, Woolwich, London, was found guilty of six counts of Failing to Disclose Information, contrary to Section 3 of the Fraud Act 2006.

He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment - suspended for two years - and was ordered to complete 150 hours’ community service.

Dr Madu is subject to a three month curfew between the hours of 8pm and 7am, to reside at his home address in Woolwich, London and will be electronically tagged.

Madu worked in a number of hospitals while on paid sick leave from Cardiff & Vale University Health Board.

By October 2009 he had been suspended due to concerns over his professional conduct and integrity.

In March 2010, Dr Madu informed the Health Board that he was receiving counselling and medical help, and was not able to work, supplying a medical certificate covering January 23 to June 2, 2010.

The Health Board terminated Madu’s employment on June 10, 2010.

A tip-off was later received that Dr Madu had been working as a locum at Scarborough District Hospital, Yorkshire while on sick leave.

Investigators established that Dr Madu had also worked at Sandwell General Hospital, West Midlands and The Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, throughout this sick period. He was arrested in November 2011.

Dr Madu earned an extra £69,000 at these other hospitals in addition to his Cardiff & Vale University Health Board salary. This secondary employment was never declared to his employer, as was legally required.

Cheryl Hill, Counter Fraud Specialist, NHS Counter Fraud Service (Wales) said today: “Anthony Madu deceived his employers and was paid thousands of pounds that he should not have been.

"Being a gynaecologist, he abused a position of particular trust and responsibility. We always press for the prosecution of offenders and seek the strongest possible sanctions, so public money is not diverted from patient care”.

His Honour Judge David Wyn Morgan thanked the lead investigators, David Rees and Cheryl Hill for their assistance during the trial.