Man and woman detained on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud

TWO more people have been arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of funds at a secondary school.

Detectives investigating the claims, said to have taken place at Copland Community School in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, detained a 51-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman after visiting their homes in north west London this morning (Thursday).

The pair are currently being questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

Last week detectives arrested Sir Alan Davies, 64, the school’s former headmaster, and 53-year-old Dr Richards Evans, ex-deputy headmaster, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

Dr Evans’s 50-year-old wife Lesley who also worked at the school was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and theft.

All three were later bailed to return to a police station in September.

In 2009, senior members of staff at the school departed amid a scandal over alleged bonus payments that are believed to have totalled more than �1milliom.

Sir Alan, Dr Evans, Columbus Odokoro, school bursar, and Michelle Bishop, the school’s human resources manager, were all suspended from their posts following the allegations.

Dr Evans was subsequently sacked by a disciplinary panel, made up of three members of an Interim Executive Board.

Sir Alan, Mr Odokoro and Ms Bishop resigned from their posts before a similar hearing could take place.