Ex-Leeds United MD David Haigh will not face charges over spy cameras

Yorkshire Evening Post 3/11/14
Police have confirmed former Leeds United managing director David Haigh will not face charges over the alleged misuse of club cash to pay for spy cameras at Elland Road.
As previously reported by the YEP, the one-time Leeds chief was questioned by police in May after complaints over the cameras’ discovery at various locations in the club, including the boardroom.
Mr Haigh was interviewed under caution by detectives over allegations thousands of pounds in club money was fraudulently used to pay for the surveillance equipment.
But he maintained the purchase of surveillance devices were a legitimate expenditure following reports of the use of Class A drugs in the boardroom washroom facilities.
West Yorkshire Police have now confirmed he will not face any charges in relation to allegations of misappropriation of club monies.
Det Supt Pat Twiggs, head of crime for Leeds District, said: “On April 9 this year we received a report from Leeds United Football Club alleging the potential misappropriation of club funds for the purchase of technical equipment. A full investigation was carried out and a 36-year-old man was interviewed under caution after voluntarily attending a police station. Following our investigation a file was sent to the CPS however a decision has been made that no further action will be taken against the individual concerned, and our investigation has been concluded.”
Matthew Claughton, managing director of Olliers Solicitors, representing Mr Haigh, said: “Whilst the police have a duty to investigate all complaints at no stage did we expect this matter to lead to a prosecution. The conclusion of this episode leaves David free to concentrate on his dispute with GFH in Dubai.”
Mr Haigh remains in prison in Dubai where he was arrested in May after being accused of “embezzlement, swindling and breach of trust” by ex-Whites owner GFH, an investment bank.
He has now started proceedings in the High Court to launch his own multi-million pound legal action against GFH for alleged deceit.
Mr Haigh - who has repeatedly asserted that he is being “wrongly and unscrupulously held in jail” - is understood to be close to filing a full defence against the allegations.
The 36-year-old became managing director of Leeds United in the summer of 2013 then quit his role with GFH at the beginning of this year as Massimo Cellino closed in on a 75 per cent takeover of United.
He then left Leeds in April following a souring of his relationship with Cellino.
His arrest came after he flew to the Middle East for talks about a purported new job within the GFH group. As previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, he was detained shortly after his arrival at GFH’s offices. A spokesman for Leeds United declined to comment on Mr Haigh’s claims.

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