He conned Newham Council colleagues and the public.

Only after he was caught did the town hall discover Emile Obidike, a manager in the children’s information service, had lied about his qualifications to get the job.

He is now starting eight months’ jail for his frauds.

Obidike, 35, from Croydon, joined the service, then at Stratford Office Village, in 2004. He is said to have earned �250,000 until his suspension last year when it was claimed he deceived two fellow workers of �400 each by persuading them he could get them on management courses at a discounted rate, but he kept the money. He was then working at the council’s Building 1000 offices in Royal Docks.

He admitted the deception charges, lying about his qualification and having a false passport.

Further charges of defrauding the public were ordered to lie on file.

“This person abused his position of trust to extort staff and members of the public,” Newham Council said after the case.

“His behaviour was abhorrent and the custodial sentenced handed down will act as a deterrent to others who think they can get away with playing fast and loose with residents’ money.”