A woman has been jailed for more than three years after fraudulently diverting almost half a million pounds from a GP surgery in Berkshire.
43 year old Lauren Millington from Hook in Hampshire, was sentenced to three years and two months in prison at Reading Crown Court on 1 April.
Roger Happe, 44, from Egham, was also given a nine month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
Millington admitted two counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of concealing criminal property. Happe pleaded guilty to acquiring and possessing criminal property.
Between February 2021 and November 2024, Millington worked as a finance manager at The Waterfield Practice in Bracknell. During that time, she diverted £456,666 from the surgery.
An investigation by Thames Valley Police began after the practice raised concerns about suspicious payments to external medical suppliers.
Millington worked as a Finance Manager at the Waterfield Practice in Bracknell Credit: ITV News Meridian
Officers found legitimate banking details for several companies had been altered so payments were redirected into accounts controlled by Millington.
A further £25,190 was paid into an account belonging to Happe. Both were arrested in January 2025 and later charged in December that year.
Detective Constable Jagdip Sekhon, of the Berkshire Volume Fraud Team, described the offending as “calculated and sustained,” involving fake invoices and the manipulation of company systems.
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, head of the Central Fraud Unit, said Millington “systematically abused” her position, leaving a “hole in much needed public finances.” He added the practice had been left with a significant shortfall in funds intended to support the local community.
Thames Valley Police said the case demonstrates its commitment to bringing fraudsters to justice.
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