A 56-year-old man today admitted faking his qualifications to obtain more than £150,000 in salary payments from education organisations, including one in Shropshire.

Paul Hallam made up his CV to show academic qualifications he never obtained so he could land a job with Midlands education organisation Top Options.

He also admitted tricking bosses at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in a web of lies that lasted over a 16-year period.

It is believed Hallam was first employed by Top Options Ltd in 2001, starting in the company’s headquarters in Warwickshire, before moving to Young Options in Higford, near Shifnal. He worked for the company until November 2004.

Hallam, who was declared bankrupt two years ago and is now working as a hospital porter in Southampton, admitted two counts of obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception today.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court he admitted falsely claiming qualifications to obtain £48,686.27 from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council between May 1989 and September 1991.

He also admitted falsely creating qualifications to obtain £104,512.72 from Top Options Ltd between January 2001 and October 2005. The organisation, trading as Options Group based in Warwickshire, runs schools, specialist centres and homes in Shropshire.

Judge Robin Onions said people like Hallam, of Hamble, near Southampton, were “pathetic” more than anything else.

He said: “The essence of the employment system is that people who apply for jobs are honest and open.”

Mr Richard Jory, for Hallam, said he had no previous convictions and currently had no assets. He said: “He did carry out the job to a standard where there was no criticism of him.”

Mr Jory said Hallam had obtained a masters in education from Birmingham University.

Judge Onions adjourned the case until July 23 for reports, but warned Hallam he was keeping all options open, including prison. Hallam was released on bail.

By Steve Todd and Kirsty Marston