Brighton finance employee stole £2.4 million from university

The University of Brighton’s former head of income and payments has been convicted of fraud after embezzling £2.4 million from the institution over 30 years.

David Hall, 64, used his position to make fraudulent entries in the university’s accounts to cover up his deception.

His crimes were discovered by the university only in November 2021, at which point the matter was referred to Sussex Police.

Investigations carried out by the university and the police “uncovered a complex string of financial cover-ups by Hall which were only revealed through forensic scrutiny”, a police statement said.

Hall was charged with fraud by abuse of position, theft by an employee and false accounting. He pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 16 February and now awaits sentencing, due on 16 March.

“Year after year, the hole in the university’s finances became larger and more difficult for Hall to conceal,” investigator Rose Horan said.

“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.”

A Brighton spokesperson said Hall had “abused his position and betrayed the trust of his colleagues for his own personal gain”.

“As soon as the university uncovered Hall’s deception, we acted swiftly and decisively to report this matter to the police,” they added.

“We have supported the police at every stage of their investigation, commissioning independent forensic investigations which have enabled charges to be brought and the courts to secure a conviction.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com