Ofcom IT boss jailed for fraud

Jurgen Whitehouse, an IT services boss for communication regulator Ofcom, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for fraud.

The 37-year-old stole £522,123 from the public body between July 2008 and April 2009.

The crime was first reported to police on 17 March 2010 by the Financial Controller of Ofcom, and following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, Whitehouse was arrested on 29 June 2010.

"This was a premeditated and calculated fraud conducted over a prolonged period," said Investigating Officer Detective Constable Elliot Toms.

"He exploited his expert knowledge of systems in place at Ofcom in order to steal in excess of half a million pounds," added Toms.

Whitehouse has since paid back a large proportion of the money stolen.

Separately, Ofcom announced two new members of its board today – Dame Patricia Hodgson and Dame Lynne Brindley.

Hodgson will join the board on 1 July for three and a half years, becoming deputy chairman on 1 January 2012. Brindley will take up her position on 1 September for three years.

"I am pleased to announce that Dame Patricia Hodgson and Dame Lynne Brindley are joining the Ofcom board," said Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

"They will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the regulator. I have no doubt they will play a major part in helping Ofcom carry out its essential role."