Judge Keith Alan Shaw was brought to court and found guilty of committing fraud between 2012 and 2015 in an effort to subvert Scarborough Council’s planning processes.

The council raised concerns after it emerged letters to their planning office had been sent without the consent of the people named on them.

Shaw was also convicted of falsely claiming a refund of £2,747 in relation to surveyor’s fees.

Shaw was given 200 hours of unpaid work and a 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay £2,747 in compensation and £7,285 in costs.

Detective Inspector Jon Hodgeon, head of economic crime and major fraud at North Yorkshire Police, said: “Keith Shaw is a highly qualified judge who used his enhanced knowledge of the legal system to commit crime and deceive a number of public sector organisations.

“He is a narcissistic individual who thought he could use his position to defraud others for personal gain.

“It is important we catch professionals such as Shaw as it sends a clear message that no-one is above the law.”