A former finance manager at a Bracknell GP surgery has been jailed for diverting almost half a million pounds from the practice.
Lauren Millington, 43, of St Mary’s Road, Hook, Hampshire, was sentenced to three years and two months at Reading Crown Court on Thursday (2 April 2026) after pleading guilty to multiple counts of fraud and concealing criminal property.
Her accomplice, Roger Happe, 44, of Alexander Road, Egham, Surrey, received a nine-month suspended sentence and 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to acquiring and using criminal property.
Between February 2021 and November 2024, Millington worked as a finance manager for The Waterfield Practice, where she fraudulently diverted more than £456,000 by altering company banking details so that payments intended for medical suppliers went into her personal accounts. Happe also received £25,190 as part of the scheme.
The fraud came to light when the practice reported irregular payments. Thames Valley Police discovered that Millington had created fake invoices and manipulated company systems to conceal the theft. Both suspects were arrested in January 2025 and charged in December 2025.
Detective Constable Jagdip Sekhon of the Volume Fraud Team said: “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… The fraud significantly impacted the company, leaving it short to provide essential support to the community it serves.”
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of the Central Fraud Unit, added: “The sentence reflects the severity of the offences. Millington systematically abused her position to defraud her employer of significant funds, causing great harm to the practice. We hope the length of the sentence acts as a deterrent and demonstrates our commitment to pursue fraudsters on behalf of victims.”
The case highlights the risks posed by internal fraud and the importance of robust financial oversight in healthcare and public service organisations.
