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Ex-head denies using school credit card for cricket

Robby Westat Westminster Magistrates' Court
News imageBBC A grey-haired man in a dark suit, wearing a white shirt and a purple tie, sits on a cream sofa in a room, looking slightly away from the camera.BBC
Julian Johnson-Munday is accused of making several payments for personal expenses on the Culford School credit card

A former long-serving head teacher at a prestigious private school in Suffolk has denied fraud after tickets were said to be bought on its credit card to watch cricket at Lord's.

Julian Johnson-Munday worked at Culford School near Bury St Edmunds and is accused of making payments for personal expenses on the school credit card and using a school digger for his own purposes.

The 63-year-old, of St Benedict's Street, Norwich, pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to a charge of fraud by false representation.

Johnson-Munday spoke to confirm his name, address and entered his plea. He will next appear at Norwich Crown Court on 24 February.

News imageRobby West/BBC Mr Johnson-Munday stands outside the court under a spotted umbrella. He has shoulder-length wavy hair, a scarf, a beige checked jacket and beige gloves.Robby West/BBC
Johnson-Munday appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court wearing a cream jacket and top, grey skirt and long black boots

According to the charge, it is alleged Johnson-Munday "made several payments for personal expenses on the school credit card, for Lord's tickets, accommodation at the East India Company, used school property without permission, namely a digger for his own use in the amount of £2,724 intending to make a gain for yourself".

Johnson-Munday, wearing a cream jacket and top, grey skirt and long black boots, elected to stand trial in front of a jury.

News imageA large grey brick 18th-century stately home surrounded by trees, fields, and smaller, newer buildings.
The Culford School is an independent boarding and day school set in 480 acres of parkland around an 18th-Century mansion.

District Judge Sam Goozee granted Johnson-Munday unconditional bail until the hearing at Norwich Crown Court.

Johnson-Munday worked for the private school, which charges fees of up to £36,000 a year, for 19 years before his suspension in January 2023.

Culford School counts MPs, finance bosses, a former Rolls-Royce chairman, and legendary football commentator John Motson among its alumni, while the Prince and Princess of Wales were rumoured to have considered sending Prince George there.

In a statement, the school said it was "aware that there are ongoing legal proceedings involving its former headmaster and continues to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities".

"As the Crown's legal proceedings are currently active, the school will be making no further comment beyond what is already in the public domain."

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