Scottish scientist jailed for lavish £38,000 fraud

Suzanne Miller misused government credit card in Australia

A Scottish scientist who held two top government posts in Australia has been jailed for three months after admitting carrying out a £38,000 fraud.

Professor Suzanne Miller, who studied geology at St Andrews University, misused a corporate credit card to buy personal items including a £500 silk jacket, an electric scooter, show tickets and a drum kit.

She also used the card to transfer money into her mortgage account, to pay private school fees and to book flights and accommodation in Scotland.

The 55-year-old was removed from her roles as Queensland chief scientist and chief executive officer of the Queensland Museum Network following an investigation by the state’s Crime and Corruption Commission.

The Edinburgh-born geologist also claimed more than £23,000 of private healthcare insurance to which she was not entitled.

Miller pled guilty to fraud during a hearing at Brisbane Magistrates Court in March.

Yesterday she was given a threeyear prison sentence, which will be suspended for good behaviour after three months. She was also ordered to repay the money.

She wrongfully claimed health insurance through her contract at the Queensland museum between February 2014 and July 2017.

She claimed to be on a special talent visa that entitled her to the insurance when she was not.

She also used a government credit card to make purchases worth more than £15,000 for her personal benefit.

The court heard she intends to move back to Scotland when she is released to be with her husband and daughter.