Last month, Recruiter reported David Moss appeared before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court charged with allegedly dishonestly abusing his position as financial director at Recruit 2 Suit Midlands Ltd in Swadlincote to make £372,548.73 for himself on 15 May 2016. Moss subsequently pleaded guilty to fraudulently taking £87k from Recruit 2 Suit Midland between 15 May and 29 July 2016 and also admitted a second charge of making a false bank statement between 26 July and 29 July 2016. 

Yesterday afternoon, the Burton Mail reported Derby Crown Court was told how Moss claimed to police he was being blackmailed into handing large sums of money to a woman he met in an online chat room and had sexual chats with, but a subsequent police investigation found no evidence of blackmail.

Prosecutor Siward James-Moore said Moss had stolen £87k from recruitment firm Recruit 2 Suit, but as £21k was paid to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), he had actually stolen £65,942.46.

He told the court that Moss was self-employed and worked as an accountant for the recruitment agency. He said: “In this role he had access to the company’s bank account and sole access to the company’s credit cards.

“Gemma Taylor, the owner of the business, thought she had a good working relationship with the defendant. She later got a letter saying £27k that was due to be paid, from HMRC. He showed her a bank statement from Santander that appeared to show a payment of £26k to HMRC.

“She accepted his explanation, but on 4 August, he confirmed he did not have the money to pay. He claimed he was being blackmailed by a woman he met on the internet. She was not satisfied with that matter and involved the police.”

James-Moore added: “An investigation was launched by Staffordshire Police into the blackmail. No further action was taken and there was no evidence of blackmail. He did engage in sex chat in chat rooms and gave them money for their sob stories.”

In mitigation Joseph Harvey said: “Mr Moss admitted to his crimes as soon as he was able to. He is under no illusion about the severity of his actions. He is thoroughly ashamed of himself – for a variety of reasons and the impact upon his family. The details of the case have been upsetting for his wife and family.

“Mr Moss is his wife’s registered carer. What affects Mr Moss, affects his wife. He is immediately responsible for the situation he is now in.”

Harvey further revealed Moss had previously been on the board of directors at the de Ferrers Trust, which is responsible for several schools across Burton and South Derbyshire.

Upon sentencing Moss, Recorder Michelle Heeley QC said: “You had a relationship with Gemma Taylor. She regarded you as a friend. Now, a hard working mother-of-five’s business is in jeopardy.

“You were meeting a woman from the internet and you used £66k that was not yours to use. You have lost your good character. It is a shame that your wife, who is an innocent party in this, will suffer as a result of your actions.

“Because you pleaded guilty at the first possible opportunity, I sentence you to 28 months in prison.”

Speaking to Recruiter this morning, Taylor said she was feeling “elated”. “I would have liked him to have got more but at the end of the day I’ve got justice. I was saying to my colleagues today, the fact that I have got up this morning with my five beautiful children and my husband, and the fact that knowing he is locked away in a cell … to actually think about his actions and the shame he has brought to his own family – that is my happiness this morning…

“If the money was handed to me and he walked out the same way I did I would not even be anywhere as happy as I am now knowing he is behind bars.”

Taylor added she was glad her clients now know that the damage done to her company was due to Moss’ fraudulent actions.

She also warned fellow recruiters to carry out due diligence on accountancy firms and get testimonials from their current clients when giving them business to avoid similar situations affecting their agencies.

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