University finance chief steals £2.4m over 30 years

A UNIVERSITY finance official stole more than £2.4 million over 30 years, a court has been told.

David Hall was able to keep stealing from the college because of his trusted position as the head of income and payments at the University of Brighton. He made fraudulent entries in the college’s accounts to hide his multiple thefts.

Hall pleaded guilty to charges of fraud by abuse of position, theft by an employee and false accounting at Brighton magistrates’ court last night.

A spokesman for Sussex police said: “David Hall used his position to embezzle about £2.4million and cover up his activity through fraudulent entries in the university’s accounts.

“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.”

Rose Horan, an investigator, 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.”

Hall is due to be sentenced at a court to be confirmed on March 16.