Finance Manager Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding GP Surgery of Nearly Half a Million Pounds
A finance manager has been handed a prison sentence after admitting to defrauding a GP surgery in Berkshire of more than £450,000. Lauren Millington, aged 43 and residing on St Mary’s Road in Hook, Hampshire, was sentenced to three years and two months imprisonment at Reading Crown Court.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Millington carried out the crimes while employed as a finance manager at The Waterfield Practice in Bracknell between February 2021 and November 2024. She fraudulently diverted a total of £456,666 from the GP practice. The investigation revealed that she altered legitimate banking details for several companies, redirecting payments into personal accounts under her control.
Her accomplice, Roger Happe, aged 44 of Alexander Road in Egham, Surrey, was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. Happe had £25,190.57 paid into an account belonging to him as part of the scheme.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Pleas
At a hearing on January 7, Millington pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position and one count of concealing criminal property. On February 3, Happe pleaded guilty to acquiring and possessing criminal property. Both individuals were arrested on January 15, 2025, and charged on December 4, 2025.
Thames Valley Police initiated their investigation after the practice reported concerns about suspicious payments that appeared to have been made to external medical suppliers. Detectives uncovered that the fraud involved sophisticated methods, including the manipulation of company systems, creation of fake invoices, and use of personal bank accounts to conceal activities over several years.
Police Statements on the Case
Detective Constable Jagdip Sekhon of the Volume Fraud Team in Berkshire commented: “This was a calculated and sustained fraud in which Lauren Millington abused positions of trust to divert substantial sums of money for personal gain. Her actions were sophisticated and pre‑meditated, involving the manipulation of company systems, the creation of fake invoices, and the use of personal bank accounts to conceal her activity over several years, with her accomplice Roger Happe, who assisted in receiving and concealing £25,190.57 in funds.”
He added: “The fraud significantly impacted the company, leaving it short to provide essential support to the community it serves. Thames Valley Police was able to uncover the full extent of the offending and bring both individuals before the courts. This case highlights that fraud is not a victimless crime and demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit trust for financial gain and ensuring they are brought to justice.”
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of the Central Fraud Unit, stated: “I am pleased with this conviction, which comes after Millington and Happe pled guilty following a thorough and extensive investigation by officers from the Berkshire Fraud team. The sentence reflects the severity of the offences whereby Millington systematically abused her position to defraud her employer of significant funds, leaving a huge hole in much needed public finances.”
He continued: “Millington, against her unsuspecting employer in two separate periods of employment when entrusted with their finances, abused the trust placed in her for her own gain and caused great harm to the practice. I hope that the length of sentence imposed will act as a deterrent to others and demonstrate our commitment to pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice on behalf of victims.”
