Cardinal Wiseman Head Teacher Suspended

Police investigating allegations of expenses irregularities

The head teacher of Cardinal Wiseman Roman Catholic school in Greenford has been suspended while police investigate an allegation of expenses fraud.

The BBC is reporting that Paul Patrick, 53, was arrested at his north London home in April.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Officers from the Met Fraud Squad arrested a 53-year-old man at his home address in Southgate on suspicion of expense fraud,

"He was taken to a west London police station and bailed to return pending further inquiries at a date in June."

The investigation is understood to be looking into school exchange trips to Cuba arranged by Mr Patrick, who has recently returned to Britain from a sabbatical in Havanna.

Mr Patrick, who is a member of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, has been credited with turning the school into one of London's best over his 12 years in charge.

A source 'close to the school' told the Evening Standard that the sum is around half a million pounds, and the inquiry is looking into the purchase of Armani-type suits, people carriers, off-road vehicles and first-class flights to Cuba.

A spokesperson has confirmed that the school is co-operating fully with an investigation into alleged administrative irregularities.

Mr Patrick must answer police bail later this month.

June 11, 2009