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A zero sum game?

The number of SEND tribunal cases is rising and the proportion of appeals ‘lost’ by local authorities is at a record high. Lottie Winson talks to education lawyers to understand the reasons why, and sets out the results of Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive survey.

Academy founder guilty of fraud alongside two other staff members

Three people have been found guilty of fraud relating to past financial matters at Kings Science Academy in Bradford after a six-week trial.

The defendants – former principal and founder Sajid Hussain Raza, former finance director Daud Khan and former head of department Shabana Hussain – are to be sentenced in September.

The academy opened in 2012.

Speaking after the verdict at Leeds Crown Court, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Jon Morgan of West Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a complex inquiry which involved a thorough investigation of all aspects of the school’s governance and its finances over a number of years.

“Raza, Hussain and Khan were in positions of trust, stealing thousands of pounds of public money which was intended for the development of a newly formed academy.

"They acted selfishly and dishonestly in obtaining these funds and I would like to thank everyone who has helped uncover their unscrupulous activities and brought them to justice."