An NHS health board has come under scrutiny after a convicted criminal managed to work for two years in a crucial IT role without his past being uncovered.
Anthony Murrell, 48, used a false name, Tony Watson, to secure a position as the head of digital security at NHS Highland. Despite a checkered past, he was hired shortly after being released from prison in 2022, where he had served a sentence for embezzling £560,000 from an asset management firm.
Murrell, who lived in Auchterarder, Perthshire, was trusted with sensitive responsibilities, including recommending suppliers and approving equipment purchases. During his tenure, which lasted for two years, no red flags were raised about his background.
The former convict had previously defrauded Legal & General Investment Management by creating a fake company and processing over 50 invoices for non-existent computer cables, funneling the money into his personal bank account.
Sources within the health board expressed concerns over how Murrell’s criminal history went unnoticed, describing the situation as “deeply worrying.” The source said, “He went through interviews and was hired as network manager, yet for two years, no one suspected anything was amiss.”
This revelation has raised serious questions about the adequacy of background checks within the NHS, particularly for roles involving sensitive data and infrastructure.
