Woman jailed for Bracknell GP fraud
Lauren Millington diverted nearly half a million pounds while working as a finance manager at a GP practice
A woman has been jailed for fraudulently diverting almost half a million pounds from a GP surgery in Bracknell.
Lauren Millington, aged 43, of St Mary’s Road, Hook, Hampshire, was sentenced to a total of three years and two months, at Reading Crown Court.
Roger Happe, aged 44, of Alexander Road, Egham, Surrey, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 100 hours of community service.
Millington pleaded guilty on 7 January 2026 to two counts of fraud by abuse of position, and one count of concealing/disguising/converting/transferring/removing criminal property.
Happe pleaded guilty on 3 February 2026 to one count of acquire/use/possess criminal property.
Between February 2021 and November 2024, Millington was working as a finance manager for The Waterfield Practice, Bracknell, when she fraudulently diverted more than £450,000 from the GP practice.
Investigation
The police investigation began when the practice reported concerns about irregular payments that appeared to have been made to external medical suppliers. Officers discovered that the legitimate banking details of several companies had been deliberately altered, causing payments to be redirected to personal accounts controlled by Millington.
Between 1 April 2021 and 15 November 2024, over £456,666.44 was diverted from The Waterfield Practice. Police identified that several bank accounts used belonged to Millington, with a further account belonging to Happe.
Happe had obtained criminal property totalling £25,190.57.
They were arrested on 15 January 2025 and charged on 4 December 2025.
Calculated
Detective Constable Jagdip Sekhon of the Volume Fraud Team in Berkshire, 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, 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.
“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.”
Severity
Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of the Central Fraud Unit, said; “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 whole in much needed public finances. 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.”