The sentencing of a former NHS manager who admitted defrauding the health service of more than £120,000 has been delayed for a fifth time, extending a case that has already spanned several years.
Alec Gandy, who previously worked as a senior operational manager at Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust, is now due to be sentenced in January after his latest court hearing was postponed.
Former NHS manager admits fraud
Gandy pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position after admitting he exploited his senior role within the NHS trust for personal financial gain.
The 43-year-old, of Housman Way in Cleobury Mortimer, accepted that he was trusted to safeguard the financial interests of the NHS but instead acted dishonestly while employed in a management position.
The offence relates to conduct that took place over a period of more than two and a half years.
Six-figure gain from abuse of position
According to court proceedings, Gandy admitted that between 1 April 2021 and 22 December 2023 he abused his position at the trust to make a personal gain of £123,090.
Prosecutors said the offence involved a serious breach of trust, with the defendant exploiting access and authority linked to his senior role within the NHS.
Fraud by abuse of position is treated as a serious offence under UK law, particularly when it involves public funds and healthcare services.
Sentencing delayed repeatedly
Gandy was originally scheduled to be sentenced in July but the hearing has now been postponed on five separate occasions.
Previous sentencing dates were listed for 8 July, 9 September, 10 October, 14 November and 23 December before being adjourned again.
The court has now fixed a new sentencing date for 16 January at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Trust dissolved amid NHS restructuring
The case comes amid significant organisational changes within the local NHS.
Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust, where Gandy was employed at the time of the offence, was formally dissolved in October 2024 as part of wider NHS restructuring.
Following its dissolution, staff, assets, services and liabilities were transferred to Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and the Black Country Integrated Care Board.
Focus on NHS financial integrity
The prolonged delay in sentencing has renewed attention on the importance of safeguarding public money within the NHS, particularly at a time of sustained financial pressure across the health service.
NHS bodies have repeatedly warned that fraud and misuse of funds undermine patient care and public confidence, with management-level offences viewed as especially damaging.
Courts have previously emphasised that offences involving abuse of trust in public institutions are likely to attract custodial sentences, depending on the circumstances and mitigation presented.
Sentencing expected in January
Gandy is expected to return to Wolverhampton Crown Court in January, when the judge will determine his sentence.
The court will consider the scale of the financial gain, the length of the offending period and the breach of public trust when passing sentence.
