West London councillor pleads not guilty to fraud

A west London councillor has pleaded not guilty to fraud by abuse of position.Gurbachan Singh Athwal, 75, who represents Heston East ward on Hounslow Council, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, to formally deny the charges.Athwal was charged by police on September 25 over allegations linked to a role he held as treasurer of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall.The charity manages the two largest Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, in Southall, west London.The local authority fell into no overall control as a result, creating a hung council.Athwal, who currently sits as an Independent, wore a charcoal grey suit and was accompanied by his legal team as he arrived at court.Councillor Gurbachan Singh Athwal has denied the charges against himHounslow CouncilThe prosecution told magistrates that Athwal dishonestly abused his position as treasurer of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall between 2021 and 2022. He remains a trustee of the charity, according to the Charity Commission website. Magistrates heard that during a period in 2022, there were financial irregularities related to paying contractors, suppliers and petty cash payments.The court heard the defendant was purportedly “double counting payments” and misappropriated funds amounting to £12,682. Athwal, of Hadley Gardens, Southall, opted for his case to be transferred to Isleworth Crown Court for trial, where he will next appear on Tuesday, November 24.Representatives for Athwal suggested the trial venue may have to be moved due to the closeness of the crown court to the ward he represents.The councillor, in a statement released after the decision by Labour to remove the whip, pledged to “continue to fulfil” his council duties after being charged.He added: "These allegations are part of a concerted effort to defame me. I am participating fully in the process of clearing my name.”Read MoreIn a statement issued at the time of his arrest, a Metropolitan police spokesman said: “Gurbachan Singh Athwal, 75, of Southall, was charged with fraud by abuse of position following an investigation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police.“He was charged via postal requisition on Friday, September 25, following a voluntary interview in October 2025.”After setting out the date for his first court appearance, the force statement continued: “The charges relate to a role he held as treasurer of a community organisation from 2014 to 2022.”