Ex-Army major avoids jail after stealing from Hampshire Cadet Force

Thomas Meggison, of Rockbourne Road, was given a 21-month suspended sentence at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, June 29.

Meggison pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.

The court heard that Meggison, 61, took a total of £102,699.80 from the cadet force's account. Meggison was in sole charge of the account, which was a mix of MOD grants and private donations.

Matthew Lawson, prosecuting, told the court that Meggison took the money from 2015 to 2020. 

Mr Lawson read a statement from Theresa Farmer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF’s commandant. It said: “We're very disappointed and we feel let down. This is best described as an abuse of his position. The substantial loss of funds has had a detrimental impact on young people's lives. Many businesses have lost financial trust in us as a result. It will take us five to six years for us to recover.”

Nick Tucker, mitigating, told the court that Meggison had already repaid about £9,000 and had saved an additional £36,000 to repay. Mr Tucker also went into detail about Meggison's history in the Armed Forces.

READ MORE: Why do local newspapers report on court cases? What can they publish?

Meggison joined the Army in 1977. After serving on 12 operational tours, including in Iraq, he retired in 2008.

Mr Tucker said: “The Army has been his life. He did not know what to do with himself when he retired. He was the CEO of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Cadet Force for 12 years. His character references speak of his dedication. However after 2019, his gambling started to escalate out of control. He became addicted to the possibility of a big win, but his losses started to grow. His shame is total. His service to his country has been exemplary.”

The court heard a character reference from Lieutenant Colonel Peter Balls, who said that Meggison was 'held in the highest regard' in the Armed Forces. He said: “It seems clear to me that he is full of remorse.”

Passing sentence, Judge Paul Dugdale said: “You realise the extent you have let people down. You have caused great damage and upset. Apart from these foolish years, your life has been exemplary. I have read a number of character references that say how well you took on the role with the cadets, despite stealing over £100,000. However this sort of breach of trust is very serious.”

Meggison was given a 21-month sentence, suspended for 18 months. He will also have to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 days of a rehabilitation activity.