A FORMER member of the board of directors at the John Radcliffe's hospital trust has admitted that he pretended to have a degree to get the top job.

Peter Knight pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by false representation at Oxford Magistrates' Court today.

It is understood this related to his role as Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's (OU) Chief Information and Digital Officer, which he held for more than two years.

Details in the charge reveal the 53-year-old had stated he had a degree certificate which he did not 'intending to make a gain, namely a salary' between September 1, 2016 and August 20, 2018.

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A statement from OUH said: "Peter Knight was Chief Information and Digital Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from August 22, 2016 to September 6, 2018. He resigned his employment.

"The trust will not be commenting further at this time."

The case was judged 'too serious' to be dealt with by the magistrates' court, which has limited sentencing powers, due to the 'sustained' nature of the fraud.

Knight, who lives at Craufurd Court, in Teddington, Richmond upon Thames, is next due to appear before Oxford Crown Court on January 9.