Devon Live  29 August 2017

Paula Vasco-Knight was given a suspended prison sentence in March

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of former NHS chief executive Paula Vasco-Knight, 53, being comforted by her husband Stephen Vasco-Knight, after being allowed to walk free from Exeter Crown Court

A former Devon hospital boss who defrauded the NHS of £11,000 has been told to reply to an order requesting details of her financial assets.

Paula Vasco-Knight was given a suspended prison sentence in March after admitting paying her graphic designer husband, Stephen, the NHS cash for work that never existed.

At the time she was chief executive of South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and national lead for equalities for NHS England.

After her sentence a timetable was set for the money to be recovered using the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A short hearing took place on Tuesday morning at Exeter Crown Court. Prosecutor Gareth Evans said Vasco-Knight and her husband had not responded to the POCA request and a new timetable would have to be set.

The couple must tell the court whether they agree with the prosecution’s assessment of their financial assets.

Vasco-Knight and her husband were not present for the short hearing.

Recorder David Bartlett gave the pair until to September 16 to respond.

If the couple do not respond they will be required to return to court and explain the delay.