University finance official, 64, faces lengthy jail term after admitting plundering more than £2.4million of the college’s cash over 30 years
- David Hall, 64, stole the cash from Brighton University over a period of 30 years
- READ MORE: Primary school bursar ‘stole £500,000 to fund lavish lifestyle’
A university finance official stole more than £2.4million over three decades by exploiting his trusted position, a court has heard.
David Hall, 64, embezzled the cash over 30 years while employed as Head of Income and Payments at the University of Brighton.
His ‘complex string’ of cover-ups was only discovered after the university suspected fraud in November 2021 and reported it to Sussex Police.
Hall is now facing a lengthy prison sentence after he was convicted for his crimes at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
David Hall, 64, embezzled the cash over a 30 years while employed as Head of Income and Payments at the University of Brighton.
His ‘complex string’ of cover-ups was only discovered after the university suspected fraud in November 2021 and reported it to Sussex Police. Pictured: University of Brighton
A Sussex Police spokesman said: ‘David Hall, of Shepherds Way in Ringmer, West Sussex, used his position as the Head of Income and Payments at the university to embezzle around £2.4million and cover up his activity through fraudulent entries in the university’s accounts.
READ MORE: Primary school bursar ‘stole £500,000 to fund lavish lifestyle including luxury holidays, three new cars and shopping sprees in seven-year scam’
‘In November, 2021, the university discovered the fraud and reported the matter to Sussex Police.
‘An independent financial investigation commissioned by the university, alongside the police investigation, uncovered a complex string of financial cover-ups by Hall which were only revealed through forensic scrutiny.
‘Hall admitted his offences soon after and was charged with fraud by abuse of position, theft by an employee and false accounting.
‘At Brighton Magistrates’ Court he admitted all charges and he is due to be sentenced at a court to be confirmed on March 16.’
Investigator Rose Horan said: ‘Year after year, the hole in the university’s finances became larger and more difficult for Hall to conceal.
‘After an audit uncovered the scale of Hall’s embezzlement, the University of Brighton was quick to report the fraud to Sussex Police and their support throughout the investigation has been invaluable in bringing David Hall to justice.
‘I would like to thank them for their cooperation and will now look ahead to the sentencing next month.’
It comes after primary school bursar Debra Poole, 63, stole more than £500,000 to splash out on holidays, cars and shopping sprees in a seven-year scam.
Poole was convicted of pocketing the fortune after being put in charge of finances at Hinchley Wood Primary School in Surrey.
She was found guilty of four counts of fraud at Kingston Crown Court, London, on Thursday and is awaiting sentencing.
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