Hospital apologises for Chichester nurse's '˜abuse of trust' in Rolex theft

St Richard's Hospital in Chichester has apologised to the family of a dying patient who's watch was stolen whilst in A&E.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jul 2016, 12:52 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 17:59 BST

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Joseph Miller, arrives at Portsmouth Crown Court today 11-7-16, aged 40, of Barnham Lane, Walberton, West Sussex is charged with theft of a Rolex watch form a dying patient in A&E at St Richards Hospital ChichesterJoseph Miller, arrives at Portsmouth Crown Court today 11-7-16, aged 40, of Barnham Lane, Walberton, West Sussex is charged with theft of a Rolex watch form a dying patient in A&E at St Richards Hospital Chichester
Joseph Miller, arrives at Portsmouth Crown Court today 11-7-16, aged 40, of Barnham Lane, Walberton, West Sussex is charged with theft of a Rolex watch form a dying patient in A&E at St Richards Hospital Chichester

Joseph Miller, 40, stole the silver Submariner Rolex watch worth £5,000 from 68-year-old David Davis, who died shortly after arriving at hospital.

He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on July 11 and pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

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Police said the watch was reported missing on August 7 in 2014 after it disappeared while Mr Davis was being attended to in accident and emergency.

Amanda Parker, Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Director of Nursing and Patient Safety, said: “This was an appalling episode and all the more distressing for the circumstances in which it occurred.

“I am extremely sorry that Mr Davies’ family have been subjected to this ordeal by the actions of Mr Miller, who abused the trust placed in him by his profession, his colleagues and his patients.”

She added: “We expect the very highest standards of honesty and integrity from all our staff and have helped the police enquiry in every way we can.

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“Mr Miller has not worked at the Trust since being charged with this offence and will not be returning in the future.”

The watch was located locally 18 months after its disappearance and reunited with the owner’s son Jon.

Miller, of Barnham Lane, Walberton, will be sentenced on August 9.

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