A casual comment about travel expenses by a senior manager at the Independent Police Complaints Commission prompted an investigation into his £20,000 fraud.
Ian Every, 50, of High Trees, New town, Uckfield, East Sussex was employed as the Procurement Manager at the IPCC's HQ at 90 High Holborn, central London.
Yesterday he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position, between March 1, 2009 and January 1, this year when he made dishonest claims for travel and hotel expenses.
Prosecutor Mr. Arizuna Asante told Blackfriars Crown Court Every's loose tongue at an audit meeting on November 12, last year led to his downfall.
"During a meeting with the internal auditor he made the throwaway line: 'I encourage people to claim for train tickets whenever they can.'
"This led to a personal investigation into Mr. Every's claims and it was revealed he had made false travel refunds and false hotel booking refunds.
"He had claimed for tickets for his own personal travel without authorisation."
The prosecution have calculated the loss at £20,357 and are pursuing compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Every has previously explained he had significant outstanding debts to individuals, depression and a gambling addiction.
"The custody threshold has been passed," added Mr. Asante. The guidelines indicate a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment.
Every's lawyer Miss Josie Sonnossa told the court: "The defendant is well aware of the likely sentence. He is a man of previous good character."
Regarding compensation she added: "there is some form of pension. If that can be offset he will do so.
"He is currently in receipt of state benefits and is living with his parents."
Judge Peter Clarke QC bailed Every to return for sentencing on August 16, telling him: "The court will have to consider a custodial sentence of some length.
"I want to see if you can make some arrangement to pay back the money. In itself it will not keep you out of prison , but it is a factor."
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