A COUNCILLOR has admitted eight counts of fraud by false representation after misusing grants given to Clacton Sports Club.

Almost £150,000 was due to be given for a variety of projects and almost £100,000 was received.

It is understood Pierre Oxley, 41, used some of the money for other projects.

The Essex County Councillor for Clacton East did not benefit personally from his actions and all the money went to the club.

Oxley was a club offical when the grants were being applied for and given, between February 2011 and September last year.

They included:

• A £5,391 grant sought from Essex Environment Trust intended for a tree-planting programme at Clacton Sports Club

• A £6,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund intended for buying a computer, projector, television, chairs and desks for study facilities at Clacton United FC

• A £9,500 grant from the Essex Environment Trust intended for upgrading the pavilion

• A £83,413 grant from Sport England, of which £42,613 was paid, intended for providing new showers, a new boiler, rain harvesting system, cricket covers, an electronic scoreboard and floodlights at Clacton Sports Club

• A £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund intended for installing a chairlift and new boiler

• A £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund intended to buy trees, bins, information signs, picnic tables and for improving paths

• A £9,500 grant from Essex County Council, of which £4,000 was paid, intended for the purchase of a rainwater harvesting system and cricket nets.

• A £9,500 grant from Essex County Council, of which £7,500 was paid, intended for upgrading a storage area and buying cricket covers.

Oxley appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier today in front of Judge Patricia Lynch QC.

She adjourned sentencing but warned him it was “a serious matter” and all options, including prison remain open.

He was balied until January 25.

Oxley has been an Essex County Councillor for ten years and represented Tendring First on Tendring Council until he lost his seat in May.