A CORRUPT planning officer who used bribes to pay for his wife s cosmetic surgery could face jail later this month. Andrew Bigby, 41, of California, Baldock, accepted an estimated £60,000 to push through planning permissions on more than a dozen propertie

A CORRUPT planning officer who used bribes to pay for his wife's cosmetic surgery could face jail later this month.

Andrew Bigby, 41, of California, Baldock, accepted an estimated £60,000 to push through planning permissions on more than a dozen properties.

For almost three years he changed planning records and rubber stamped controversial home alterations and extensions in the London Borough of Enfield where he was one of the most senior planning officers.

Using his influence at the council to push through proposals, he pocketed the money between January 1, 2001 and September 9, 2003, and with the help of his wife Elisabeth, 36, he hid the money at the couple's home.

Mrs Bigby had cosmetic surgery and a new kitchen while they also bought three cars with the proceeds of their crimes.

She was due to stand trial on one count of laundering the proceeds of her husband's crime but changed her plea and admitted the charge at Southwark Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday), where she spoke only to confirm her name and to make her plea.

Andrew Bigby admitted two counts of misconduct in a public office and two of concealing the proceeds of criminal conduct at an earlier hearing.

The pair were both granted bail pending sentence on March 31.