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Dance school principal prosecuted for fraud over teacher accreditation course (27 June 2016)

Date: 27/06/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Dance school principal prosecuted for fraud over teacher accreditation course

Bromley Council Trading Standards team has prosecuted the owner of a dancing school, after he fraudulently offered dance teachers’ qualifications he was not authorised to provide.

Alan Justice of South Eden Park Road in Beckenham, Kent, had taken £12,000 in college fees when Trading Standards launched an investigation into the services he was offering.

The Trading Standards investigation followed a complaint from parents of aspiring dancers who had paid large sums of money to Justice for places on the HJA Performing Arts College diploma course – which they were led to believe could provide the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing teaching qualifications that their daughters needed for their future careers.

The Trading Standards investigation revealed that the college was not authorised to offer these qualifications.

It also uncovered false claims on the college website and documentation about a Trinity College London musical theatre qualification being available on the diploma – as well as the unauthorised display of national dance organisation logos, including the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Trinity College London, Royal Academy of Dance and Council for Dance Education and Training logos.

Justice was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on 3 June 2016, after being found guilty of three separate offences of fraud contrary to Section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006 – and six offences of engaging in an unfair commercial practice, contrary to Regulation 12 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

After sentencing, Bromley Council’s Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Safety, Councillor Kate Lymer, said.

“The world of dance and performance is difficult enough to pursue, without unscrupulous people taking advantage of parents and young hopefuls.

“We will not tolerate fraudulent business in the borough – and worked with parents, students and national dance organisations to secure justice in this case.

“Although it should not be necessary, as this case shows we would advise prospective students to carefully check the accreditations being offered with the relevant body.”

The mother of one of the students involved in the fraud said:

“I would advise any parent to check the accreditation of a college.

“This can be done by contacting CDET, the Council for Dance Education and Training.

“It's not only about the money – but a waste of two years of my daughter’s training, with absolutely nothing to show for it.

“My daughter had danced with Mr Justice since the age of 13 in his dance school and took many recognised dance exams – I had no reason to believe his college was not accredited, as he claimed it was.”

Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers

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There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

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Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on Confiscation Orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

For expert legal advice on fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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