SHAMED former Rowley Regis councillor and leader of Sandwell Council Bill Thomas hopes his conviction for theft will not cast a shadow on his political legacy.

A simple lie to Natwest denying he knew his friend Gareth Hall had forged £1,300 worth of cheques led to a conviction of theft and Mr Thomas leaving public office abruptly.

Speaking exclusively to the News, Bill said: “I made a fatal mistake and I blame myself. But when I lied I was a vulnerable adult and Gareth was my carer so I was in a very difficult position.”

Reliving the moment police arrested him he said: “It was the blackest day of my life and I was in a state of shock when they took me to Sutton Coldfield Police Station.

“Everyone said I should not have spoken without a solicitor present but I was at the station, which isn’t the nicest of places, I was worried about getting my medication and just wanted to get out of there.”

He resigned immediately as leader of Sandwell Council.

He said: “I rang the regional Labour Party and they told me off and I resigned.

“It was all very sudden, within half an hour my phone had been cut off.”

The 69-year-old believes he made the right decision not to fight to clear his name.

He said: “My solicitor wanted me to fight but I spoke to my two brothers and they both said get it over and done with and not to drag it out.

“I am glad it’s all over now. I was pleased the magistrates recognised that I had been the victim of a breach of trust.”

Friday was his last day as a Rowley Regis councillor after serving the ward for 13 years and like any politician Mr Thomas is reflecting on his legacy.

He said: “I have spent my entire working life in Sandwell, first at Smethwick School for Boys and then at Sandwell Council where I was its longest serving leader ever.

“Education greatly improved, crime was reduced, the five towns are now better, we improved housing stock, reduced the burden of tax on normal people and I leave the authority in a good financial position.”

“In my own ward the runaway successes have been the new Blackheath Primary School, SureStart, Haden Hill House and reducing the pollution from Portway Landfill site.

“And after years serving on NHS boards when Rowley Regis Hospital opened it was a very happy day.”

He concluded: “I’m moving back to Wales to retire but Sandwell will always be very dear to me.

“The people are fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone for their support which helped me through a difficult time.”