University of Brighton employee admits £2.4 million fraud
He stole money from the university's accounts over a 30-year period
A University of Brighton employee has been convicted of stealing more than £2 million from the institution over a 30-year period.
David Hall 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.
The university called in police in November 2021 after discovering the fraud.
A subsequent investigation uncovered what police have called a 'complex string' of financial cover-ups by Hall, which were only revealed through forensic accounting.
Hall, who is 64 and of Shepherds Way in Ringmer, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud by abuse of position, theft by an employee and false accounting at Brighton Magistrates' Court last Thursday (March 16th).
He is due to be sentenced at a court to be confirmed on 16 March.
Investigator Rose Horan, of Sussex Police, 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."