Full Breakdown
Ashfield District Council Leader Convicted of Fraud and Tax Evasion
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Conviction Details
Ashfield District Council leader Jason Zadrozny, 46, was found guilty by a jury at Northampton Crown Court of nine counts of fraud and four counts of income-tax evasion. The verdict followed nearly 11 hours of deliberation after a trial that lasted close to a month. The fraud charges stemmed from the creation of a front organisation, the Ashfield Heritage Society (AHS), and the diversion of public funds into Zadrozny’s personal accounts. All four tax-evasion charges relating to four rented properties were also upheld.
Background of the Heritage-Society Scheme
In 2018 Zadrozny established the Ashfield Heritage Society, presenting it as a body that would maintain war-memorial sites. The prosecution, led by James Varley KC, argued that the society received £9,100 in funding from Nottinghamshire County Council, of which £5,000 “may well” have been used to assist a house purchase by deputy council leader Helen-Ann Smith. Smith denied any involvement when giving evidence.
The defence, headed by Sam Robinson KC, contended that the society was a legitimate enterprise largely run by the late Tony Brewer, a former colleague of Zadrozny, and that its lack of name recognition did not imply fraud.
Financial Findings
- £10,300 in public money was alleged to have been pocketed by Zadrozny between 2018 and 2021.
- An additional £1,200 was said to have been taken from the Classic Cinema Club, another organisation with which Zadrozny was involved, after an event was cancelled for logistical reasons.
- During a police search of Zadrozny’s home, £1,200 in cash was recovered, matching the amount claimed to have been misappropriated from the Classic Cinema Club.
The income-tax evasion charges relate to four Ashfield properties that Zadrozny rented out between 2007 and 2022. Prosecutors alleged he knowingly failed to declare the rental income, resulting in four counts of tax evasion.
Official Judicial Remarks
His Honour Judge David Herbert KC emphasized the seriousness of the breach of trust, stating that a custodial sentence was “absolutely uppermost in my mind.” The judge also noted that a custodial term of three months or more, even if suspended, would trigger automatic disqualification from holding elected office. Zadrozny was released on unconditional bail pending sentencing.
Political Consequences
Zadrozny has served as leader of Ashfield District Council for the Ashfield Independents since 2018 and previously held a two-year tenure as Liberal Democrat leader of the council (2007-2009). He also served on Nottinghamshire County Council for nearly two decades before being unseated in the May 2025 local elections. Following the conviction, he confirmed he will step away from politics when his current council term ends in 2028.
Upcoming Sentencing
The court has scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 27. At that hearing, the judge will determine whether Zadrozny receives an immediate custodial term and, if so, whether the length meets the threshold that would disqualify him from future council service.