A 63-year-old National Health Service NHS administrator who stole £80,000 to send to her online lover in Nigeria has avoided a prison sentence.

Hyacinth Blair, who worked for the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, was said to have transferred the money over a period stretching from June 2021 to January 2023. The court heard that she sent the funds to a man named Michael Okafor, whom she had met online and believed she was in a relationship with.

She told probation officers that she felt pressured to send him the money, describing herself as helpless in the situation.

Court presidings

Judge Lynn Tayton KC, who presided over the case, handed Blair a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, after she admitted to fraud by abuse of position. The judge noted that the money stolen was meant for public services and highlighted the emotional impact the fraud had on Blair’s colleagues.

“There had to be thorough review of financial controls and incidents like this undermine confidence in the council’s systems,” the judge said.

She added, “The consequences of your actions will be felt for long time and the impact on staff and the community was severe.”

The court was told that Blair initially claimed she had no idea why she took the money. However, she later said she believed she was in an online relationship with a man in Nigeria who kept demanding money from her.

“You said you felt pressure to give this money. You told the officer you felt concerned about taking money from your employer but felt helpless,” Judge Tayton said.

She further stated, “In my view there was sustained dishonesty not only explained by pressure or mental health issues.”

Blair, who is currently unemployed, is said to be suffering from depression and is now on universal credit.

The judge explained that she suspended the sentence due to Blair’s clean record and character references that described her in a positive light.

“You are fortunate, be very clear, if you come back before this court you will go to prison” the judge said.

As part of her sentence, Blair is required to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation activity, and six months of mental health treatment.