A former employee of the University of Brighton has been sentenced to six years in jail after stealing over £2 million in cash over a 30-year period. David Hall, 64, of Ringmer, used his position as Head of Income and Payments at the university to embezzle around £2.4 million, covering his tracks through fraudulent entries in the university’s accounts. He pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, theft by an employee, and false accounting.
Hall’s fraudulent activity was only discovered after an independent financial investigation commissioned by the university, alongside the police investigation, uncovered a complex string of financial cover-ups by Hall. The matter was reported to Sussex Police in November 2021, after the university discovered the fraud.
During the trial, Hall claimed that his frauds had started due to his own personal debts. However, HH Judge Chapple, addressing Hall at court, said: “The scale and breadth of your dishonesty over 30 years is breathtaking. It was systematic, persistent dishonesty, causing stress, heartache, and pressure on other employees. Where did it go? On holidays and fine dining.”
Judge Chapple added that Hall’s actions were motivated by greed and that ordinary members of the public who face debt day in, day out would not dream of being dishonest. An investigator in the case stated that despite 30 years of dishonesty, the judge considered Hall’s candour once his actions were uncovered, reducing what would have been a nine-year sentence by one third.
The university has issued an impact statement categorising the damage done, including the impact on fellow staff. A confiscation order focused on Hall’s illicitly gained funds is due to be determined, but it is likely that the full amount will not be recovered.
