A 63-year-old NHS administrator who siphoned off £80,000 from her employer’s accounts to send to a man she believed to be her online boyfriend in Nigeria has escaped an immediate prison sentence.
Hyacinth Blair, who worked for the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, admitted to fraud by abuse of position after transferring the funds for 19 months.
The Fraud
Between June 2021 and January 2023, Blair systematically withdrew large sums from the trust’s accounts, diverting the total of £80,000 to Michael Okafor, a man she met and began communicating with via the internet.
In court, Blair claimed she was “pressured” by Okafor into sending the money and described feeling “helpless” to resist his demands.
Judge’s Verdict
At her sentencing, Judge Lynn Tayton KC condemned Blair’s actions, noting that the stolen funds were meant for public services and that her conduct had caused distress among colleagues and damaged public confidence.
“There had to be a thorough review of financial controls, and incidents like this undermine confidence in the council’s systems,” the judge said.
“The consequences of your actions will be felt for a long time, and the impact on staff and the community was severe.”
Judge Tayton highlighted that Blair initially told probation officers she had “no idea” why she had taken the money before later admitting she believed she was in an online relationship with Okafor and felt pressured to keep sending him money.
Sustained Dishonesty
The judge said that while Blair had spoken of feeling concern and helplessness, her actions reflected “sustained dishonesty” that could not be solely explained by pressure or mental health struggles.
Blair, who is now unemployed, suffers from depression, and lives on universal credit, had no previous convictions. Character references described her as “a person of previously positive good character.”
Sentence and Conditions
Blair was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
She must:
- Complete 250 hours of unpaid community work
- Undertake 15 days of rehabilitation activity
- Participate in six months of mental health treatment
The judge issued a stark warning:
“You are fortunate. Be very clear—if you come back before this court, you will go to prison.”
