Man jailed for stealing millions of pounds from his employer

Detectives are welcoming the sentencing of a Bolton man to six years in prison today, Thursday 24 March, for stealing millions of pounds from his employer. 

James Hall, aged 49, of Eastgrove Avenue, Bolton, was jailed for six years at Bolton Crown Court for fraud by abuse of position. 

Between 2011 and 2015 Hall stole more than £6,700,000 from a Kirkby-based shopfitting company where he was employed as an accountant. 

Hall’s behaviour came to light when, following an audit of the company, he could not explain why he had transferred large amounts of money from the company into his own account.

Hall initially denied his actions, claiming that these transactions were loans from the company Director.

He later entered a guilty plea the week before his trial. 

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Claire Taylor said: "This fraud placed a family-run business under significant financial pressure, causing distress and worry to all employees and their loved ones. 

"That such an impact would be caused was clearly lost on Hall, and he will now be left to consider the full consequences of his actions while he serves his jail time.

“We welcome that, following an extensive and complex police investigation, Hall is now behind bars. 

"Fraud can and does devastate individuals and businesses, and thankfully Hall has now been prevented from causing any more harm. 

“I hope that Hall’s sentencing today sends a clear message about how seriously police and the courts take such offences. To anyone who would think that defrauding a company is acceptable: we will investigate you and bring you to justice. ”
 
For more information about fraud and fraud prevention:  
 
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud you can contact them on 0300 123 2040 or go to www.actionfraud.police.uk
 
Advice and information about fraud is also available via https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/