The Regulatory Law team have secured a Not Guilty verdict in a complex case alleging Conspiracy to Defraud. The prosecution, which involved more than 10,000 pages of evidence, was brought by Flintshire Trading Standards against 9 defendants.
Put simply, a conspiracy to defraud involves two or more persons agreeing to deceive another, intending to deprive them of something (e.g. money or land) and take the benefit for themselves.
A prosecution may still result even if the plan never gets off the ground- the agreement and intention are the key issues. The maximum sentence in such cases is 10 years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Action under the Proceeds of Crime Act to make a confiscation order usually follows.
Conspiracy to Defraud cases are complex in nature, often involving multiple defendants and numerous witnesses, as seen here.
In this case, it was alleged that a Deeside-based company persuaded businesses to advertise in their magazine by falsely claiming to work on behalf of the emergency services. It was also said that the businesses were dishonestly informed that a significant amount of yearly advertising revenue was donated to the emergency services.
The team at Ison Harrison tirelessly worked through the substantial evidence, analysing it in detail to prepare the case fully and effectively.
Our client was unanimously found Not Guilty by the jury, rightly preserving her good character. She was extremely pleased with the outcome and acknowledged the high level of service she had received.
Please contact Ison Harrison on 0113 284 5000 if you require advice or representation in relation to a Conspiracy to Defraud matter.
