LONDON, ENGLAND.- The Royal Academy of Arts voted to expel former head of schools Professor Brendan Neiland. He becomes the first member to be expelled in more than 200 years. Last July Professor Brendan Neiland resigned as Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools after there were allegations on missing funds from accounts belonging to the academy.

Professor Brendan Neiland denied dishonesty, and said he was "disappointed but unsurprised". Mr Neiland, 63, was one of 80 Royal Academicians that govern the Academy and are responsible for its direction and also are practicing artists. The General Assembly voted this Thursday to expel him, with 39 votes in favor of the expulsion.

Mr. Neiland stated, “I am disappointed but unsurprised by the decision of my fellow members to eject me. It is a sad day for the Academy, when someone who has dedicated so much of his energy and ideas to the institution is treated in this way. It would seem that chopping off my head was not enough for the administration; they wanted it on a pike in Piccadilly."

The academy issued the following statement: "The majority of the General Assembly voted to expel Brendan Neiland as a Member of the Royal Academy of Arts. HM The Queen was informed and gave her assent."

An investigation last year found an unauthorized bank account that involved transactions of around £80,000.