A former KPMG director, accused of fixing £44,000 in expenses to fund a gambling habit, has been defended in court by his wife.
Brian Chapman, 55, is on trial for allegedly double-claiming for hotels, international flights and pocketing refunds for cancelled flights between 2007 and 2011.
The Old Bailey heard he racked up £94,000 in credit card debts by 2011.
But his wife Margaret Chapman told the court she was unconcerned about his gambling habit and was unaware of the full extent of his debts.
The part-time supply teacher and mother told the court she had never considered her husband to be dishonest, adding: "We have been married for 23 years. I know him very well."
On his online gambling, she said: "I was quite happy. I did not think it was a problem. I thought it was under control, something he did in a controlled kind of way."
Under cross-examination, Mrs Chapman said her husband had never told her there were any serious money troubles.
Prosecutor Hugo Lodge asked: "He certainly never said 'you are going to need to work more hours because we are in dire straits?"' She replied: "No."
But when pressed by the lawyer, Mrs Chapman, who had her own separate bank account, recalled one occasion when she had seen their joint mortgage repayments had bounced.
Mr Lodge went on: "You were aware of Brian's gambling or betting. What was the maximum he would bet? She said: "It varies."
The lawyer said: "In the course of one month what was the most?" Mrs Chapman replied: "I don't know exactly."
Mr Lodge said: "But you were not concerned about it?" The witness said: "No."
Chapman, of Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, denies a single count of fraud.
The trial was adjourned until Monday.
