A PRISON dentist from Rossendale who claimed twice for treating in-mates at the country’s first privately-run jail is facing a prison term himself.

For more than two years John Hudson treated prisoners at Altcourse Prison in Fazakerley, Liverpool, and was paid £130,000 a year.

But at the same time he billed the NHS for the work and consequently dishonestly received almost £306,000 extra.

Hudson, 58, of Highgate Lane, Whitworth, was also accused of trying to defraud East Lancashire Primary Care Trust.

But prosecutors allowed two fraud charges, relating to the Nelson health trust, to lie on the file, alongside five further offences of dishonestly retaining wrongful credit of £65,385 from the NHS between August and December 2008.

He had already pleaded guilty to dishonestly retaining wrongful credit between May 2006 and July 2008.

Hudson has his own dental practice in Market Street, Whitworth.

Kevin Slack, prosecuting, said that Hudson had pretended that some of the prison patients were actually patients at his Whitworth practice.

Hudson had been due to face trial on 34 charges yesterday but changed his pleas following last minute talks with his legal team.

Judge Graham Morrow, QC told Hudson “You have pleaded guilty to very serious offences and the sentence I am bound to impose is immediate custody."

He further remanded him on bail to await sentence on November 9.

Nicholas Walker, defending, said that Hudson understood he would receive a jail sentence.

He asked for sentence to be adjourned so references and a medical report about his depression can be prepared.

We have been asked to point out that John Hudson has no connection with the Colin Hudson Dental Practice also of Market Street, Whitworth and its principle Mr Colin Hudson.