PA racing expert pleads guilty to changing results for his own financial gain

A former employee of the Press Association news agency has pleaded guilty to using his role as a racing specialist to fraudulently win £10,000 in bets by manipulating data to change "the race results in his favour".

Jack Bentham, 24, appeared at Hull Magistrates Court on Monday where he admitted fraud by abuse of position during 2018.

The charge against Bentham was read by a court clerk, who said: "Between October 13, 2018 and October 22, 2018, at Howden, East Yorkshire, you committed fraud in that, while occupying a position, namely racing specialist, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of the Press Association, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely winnings of approximately £10,000 for yourself."

Prosecutor James Byatt, quoted in the Yorkshire Post, said Bentham had been able to win the five-figure sum by using his role at the PA to favourably alter race results.

He told the court: "While the defendant was employed by the Press Association at the time, it is believed he manipulated race data to change the race results in his favour."

Paddy Power and Sky Bet prompted an investigation after making complaints over "irregular betting activity".

Nick Tubbs, defending Bentham, said his client had a gambling problem at the time of the offence and has since taken measures to address this. He added that Bentham took responsibility for his actions.

Bentham was granted unconditional bail with sentencing taking place at Hull Crown Court on September 14.

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