The leader of Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny, has resigned after being convicted of fraud and tax evasion. Mr Zadrozny, 46, was found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of tax evasion on Monday following a four-week trial at Northampton Crown Court.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Zadrozny announced his resignation as leader of Ashfield District Council and from the Ashfield Independents group, effective immediately. He expressed disappointment with the outcome but stated he respected the court and the jury's role.
During the trial, jurors heard that Mr Zadrozny was accused of establishing a fake heritage group in 2018, the Ashfield Heritage Society, to defraud Nottinghamshire County Council. Funds, including £7,500, were reportedly transferred into his personal bank account. Prosecutors alleged that part of the money was used to purchase a house with friends.