THE former chief executive of Torbay Hospital has appeared in court charged with fraud.

Paula Vasco-Knight, 52, is charged with three counts of fraud by abuse of position.

The charges relate to her role as chief executive officer at South Devon NHS Foundation Trust between October 2012 and April 2013.

It is alleged Vasco-Knight dishonestly abused that position intending to make a gains of £9,000 and £11,000. The allegations are contrary to the Fraud Act 2006.

Vasco-Knight, of The Seasons, Runcorn, Cheshire, appeared via video link at Torquay Magistrates’ Court.

She was no required to enter a plea during the short hearing. She will next appear at Exeter Crown Court on June 24 on unconditional bail.

Stephen Vasco-Knight, 45, of the same address also appeared in court. He faces one charge of fraud by false representation according to the Fraud Act 2006. He will appear at Exeter Crown Court on June 24.

A third defendent, Habib Naqvi, 38, of Wells Road, Bristol, entered a not guilty plea to three charges in breach of the Serious Crime Act 2007 when he appeared at Torbay Magistrates’ Court last week.

Naqvi was granted unconditional bail by District Judge Diane Baker and will next appear at Exeter Crown Court on June 24.