Legal News

A disqualified company director has been given a suspended jail sentence at Kingston Crown Court, after pleading guilty to two counts of acting in the management of two companies.

Michael Graham Quinton, 46 – a bankrupt and disqualified director – was given an 18-month sentence suspended for two years for offences relating to his involvement with Limited Risk Limited and Defensa International LLC.

He was also disqualified from being a director for ten years and ordered to pay costs of £13,818.47.

Quinton’s conviction follows a criminal investigation and prosecution by the Criminal Enforcement Team of the Insolvency Service.

Whilst subject to a disqualification undertaking dated 7 October 2009, Quinton acted in the management of both Limited Risk Limited and Defensa International LLC, contrary to Section 13 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigated Quinton while the Criminal Enforcement Team was already investigating him.

As a result of information shared between the SIA and the Insolvency Service Criminal Enforcement Team, a number of investigative leads were pursued.

Quinton was the CEO of Defensa International LLC – a company which was incorporated in the United States, but carried on its business and had an office in the UK.

He was also the controlling mind of Limited Risk Limited – but in an attempt to avoid the consequences of his disqualification undertaking, he used the names of others as directors of the company.

Case lawyer Ian Hatcher from the Insolvency Service said:

“This case shows that the Criminal Enforcement Team of Insolvency Service will take action against those individuals who act as directors – or are involved in the management of companies when they are not permitted to do so.

“Here, a disqualified director attempted to circumvent his ban by incorporating a company abroad and by using the names of others as directors of his British company.

“The Criminal Enforcement Team of Insolvency Service was alive to this and took firm action.”

SIA Partnerships and Investigations Manager, Kevin Young, added:

“Our investigation of Quinton’s business practices relating to the supply of security staff to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland – and other major sporting events – revealed a pattern of behaviour.

“Our investigators at the SIA actively seek to work with partners – and the conviction of Michael Quinton shows the value of joint working and sharing of information between the Insolvency Service and Hampshire Police.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors can advise at any stage of a business offence, including at the start of an investigation and before charges are brought.

Our specialist business crime solicitors advise on false accounting, failure to keep adequate records, breach of bankruptcy restrictions, embezzlement, extortion, VAT and tax evasion, misrepresentation, company fraud, financial fraud and white collar crime.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors can liaise with investigating authorities, including HMRC, The Insolvency Service, SFO, FCA, BEIS and City of London Police.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour. Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services.

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

For expert legal advice on all business offences, call Duncan Lewis business crime solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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