A former headteacher of a prestigious independent school, accused of dishonestly using institutional funds to purchase cricket tickets and secure luxury accommodation, will face a nearly two-year wait before their trial commences. Julian Johnson-Munday, aged 63, appeared at Norwich Crown Court today, having previously denied a charge of fraud by false representation at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month and opting for trial by jury.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
During the brief ten-minute hearing, Johnson-Munday, who was reportedly suspended in January 2023 from their £36,000-per-year role at Culford School near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, spoke only to confirm their name. The defendant arrived at court wearing a distinctive outfit: a fur-trimmed coat layered over a dark jacket and black skirt, complemented by a black and white blouse, purple leggings with a matching scarf, and black shoes featuring a pearl-style buckle, while carrying a large handbag.
Judge Alice Robinson scheduled the trial to begin on February 21, 2028, with an anticipated duration of five days. Johnson-Munday was released on unconditional bail, with a requirement to return to court on April 9 this year for a further pre-trial hearing. The judge emphasised that attendance is mandatory, warning that failure to appear could result in the case proceeding in their absence or an arrest warrant being issued.
Amended Charges and Allegations
The court heard that the original charge has been amended into two separate counts, alleging that Johnson-Munday used the school's credit card to pay for 'accommodation, parking fees, and sporting tickets'. These offences, said to have occurred between November 18, 2021, and August 21, 2022, reportedly involve the dishonest use of £2,724. Prosecutor Ian James explained that there was duplication in the initial charges and proposed breaking down the indictment into distinct counts for each alleged fraudulent act.
James noted that the defence has raised no objection to this restructuring, as Johnson-Munday maintains their denial of any wrongdoing, regardless of how the allegations are formulated. He added that arraignment would be postponed to allow the prosecution to draft an indictment that accurately reflects the events in question. Defence solicitor Tom Parker confirmed no objections to the proposed changes.
Background and School Profile
Johnson-Munday, who had worked at Culford School for almost two decades and is understood to have resided within its expansive 480-acre grounds, was suspended three years ago when investigations into the alleged misconduct began. The school, established in 1881 and relocated to Culford Park near Bury St Edmunds in 1935, educates both male and female students up to the age of 18.
Notably, its 18th-century mansion was recognised by Tatler magazine in 2019 as one of Britain's six most architecturally beautiful schools. The institution has attracted attention from high-profile figures, with reports suggesting that the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have a residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, considered enrolling Prince George there. Alumni include Members of Parliament, finance executives, a former Rolls-Royce chairman, and renowned sports presenter John Motson.
Judge Robinson also ruled that the prosecution must disclose its evidence to Johnson-Munday's defence team by April 6. A solicitor accompanying Johnson-Munday to court instructed reporters after the hearing to use 'they or them' pronouns when referring to the defendant.
