Jason Zadrozny, 46, an independent councillor in Nottinghamshire, is on trial accused of defrauding the local authority out of thousands of pounds. Prosecutors allege that Zadrozny, who was first elected in 2007, created a fake organization called the Ashfield Heritage Society to obtain grant money.
James Varley, prosecuting, told the court that Zadrozny set up the Ashfield Heritage Society in February 2018, naming himself as chairman. According to Varley, the society "never existed and never did anything." Zadrozny allegedly applied for funding from the Nottinghamshire County Council's divisional fund, which allocates up to £5,000 annually to councillors for distribution to good causes. Zadrozny reportedly secured £7,500, including £3,500 from his own allocation and funds from other councillors.
Prosecutors stated that Zadrozny needed "quite a bit of money, in a hurry." The court heard that the money allocated to the Ashfield Heritage Society was withdrawn in cash by Zadrozny. The address provided on the society's account application was also reported to not exist.
In addition to the alleged fraud involving the heritage society, Zadrozny is also accused of taking hundreds of pounds from a second organization, the Classic Cinema Club. Varley suggested that while this club may have been legitimate when initially established, Zadrozny allegedly helped himself to its funds when it failed to operate.
Zadrozny, who appeared in court wearing a pink suit and tie, denies 12 counts of fraud and four counts of fraudulent evasion of income tax. The trial is ongoing.