Alan Doig, a senior accountant at Gedling Borough Council in Nottinghamshire, has been sentenced to five years in prison after stealing nearly £1 million of public money to support his online gambling addiction. Doig, 57, who worked for the council for 38 years, used his position to funnel £934,000 into his personal accounts over a period spanning nearly two decades.
Nottingham Crown Court heard how Doig, who was responsible for managing the council’s payroll and creditor payments, exploited his knowledge of the council’s IT systems to commit the fraud. He manipulated the financial system by altering bank details, creating false invoices, and raising bogus credit notes to cover his tracks.
The fraudulent activity, primarily involving a car loan scheme for council employees, came to light when a junior accountant discovered discrepancies while preparing a report for HMRC. A subsequent investigation revealed that Doig had made at least 86 illegal transfers, fabricating documents to conceal the theft.
Doig, who had no prior criminal record, admitted to charges of fraud and obtaining money transfers by deception. He told investigators that his gambling habit started at age 17 but escalated after winning £12,000 on online slots. His addiction soon consumed his life, leading him to gamble £2,000 a night on various online platforms.
Gedling Borough Council’s chief executive, Mike Hill, described the impact of Doig’s actions as “significant and shocking,” noting that the stolen amount represented nearly 20% of the council’s financial resources. Hill added that the theft had undermined the trust and integrity of the organization.
Doig’s sentencing highlights the dangers of gambling addiction and its potential to drive individuals to extreme actions, with severe consequences for both public institutions and communities.
