NHS Administrator Steals £80,000 for Online Lover in Nigeria, Avoids Jail

A 63-year-old NHS administrator, Hyacinth Blair, stole £80,000 from her employer and funneled the money to a man she met in an online relationship—but walked away from court without a prison sentence.

Blair, who worked at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, drained the funds between June 2021 and January 2023. She sent the stolen money to Michael Okafor, a man in Nigeria who, she claimed, pressured her into repeated transfers.

“I felt helpless,” Blair told authorities, explaining she feared the consequences of refusing him.

Judge Lynn Tayton KC handed Blair a two-year jail sentence, but suspended it for two years after Blair admitted to fraud by abuse of position. The judge acknowledged Blair’s previously clean record and mental health struggles but didn’t shy away from condemning her actions.

“You knew what you were doing,” Judge Tayton said. “You caused significant damage to a public institution and distress among your colleagues. These funds were meant for vital services—not for personal use.”

The court heard that Blair initially denied knowing why she stole the money, then later admitted believing she was in a romantic relationship with Okafor, who demanded cash.

Judge Tayton emphasized that Blair’s dishonesty spanned nearly two years and could not be fully excused by emotional pressure or mental health challenges.

Blair, now unemployed and receiving Universal Credit, must complete 250 hours of unpaid work, undergo six months of mental health treatment, and attend 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

“You’re fortunate,” Judge Tayton warned. “But let me be clear—if you return to this court, you will go to prison.”

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