A CORRUPT director at the Royal Surrey County Hospital who accepted bribes of £80,000 in exchange for awarding lucrative IT contracts has been jailed for three-and-a-half years at Guildford Crown Court.

Peter Lewis, 57, of Windlesham, admitted receiving corrupt payments from Richard Moxon, 41, of Wybunbury in Cheshire in return for awarding him an ICT contract worth £950,000 in the first year.

The prosecution followed an investigation by Surrey Police into the activities of Lewis, who was employed by the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as director of infomatics.

Detective Superintendent Karen Mizzi, head of proactive crime for Surrey Police said: “Peter Lewis sought to greedily divert money from the NHS into his own pockets. While I am glad to see justice being served through his custodial sentence, my team is now focusing on recovering the money Lewis made from his crime, and returning it to the NHS.

“I hope Richard Moxon’s sentence will act as a warning to other public sector suppliers, who may be tempted to go along with a fraud rather than reporting an approach to the relevant authorities at the earliest opportunity.

“I am also grateful to the Royal Surrey, and the Criminal Prosecution Service specialist fraud division for their support in bringing this case to fruition”.

Alf Turner, deputy chief executive of Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. added: “In accordance with NHS and public service values, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust expects its staff to act with honesty and integrity at all times.

“Mr Lewis fundamentally broke these foundations, grossly abusing the trust placed in him as a senior manager within the NHS.

“It is rare for members of NHS staff to be willing or able to breach their position of trust as highlighted by this case.

“Mr Lewis’ actions defrauded Royal Surrey, and the people it is here to serve, of over £80,000. Bringing him to justice has been a lengthy and complex process.

“We would like to thank the police for their ongoing support in pursuing this matter to its positive resolution and the matter to a close.”

Stephen Rowland, specialist prosecutor from the CPS specialist fraud division, said: “Peter Lewis abused his position for his own financial gain. The prosecution evidence showed how Lewis approached Moxon for a bribe and had the money paid directly into the same bank account as his salary.

“The clear evidence resulted in both men pleading guilty.”

Peter Lewis admitted one count of receiving corrupt payments at Guildford Crown Court on November 21, 2016, and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years at the same court last Friday.

Richard Moxon admitted one count of giving corrupt payments at Guildford Crown Court on March 8, 2016. He was sentenced to 14 months at Guildford Crown Court, also last Friday.

Surrey Police are now seeking a Confiscation Order to seize any available assets that Lewis may have.