Legal News

Torbay Council is warning tradespeople who are trading illegally that they face being prosecuted.

The warning from Torbay Council follows a successful court case against a builder from Torquay.

Lee Butterworth was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on 20 May 2016, following his guilty pleas to offences under the Fraud Act, the Insolvency Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The total earnings of his fraud are thought to be in excess of £240,000.

The convictions come as a result of a lengthy and complex investigation undertaken by officers of Torbay, Devon and Somerset Trading Standards.

The offences related to Butterworth’s business activities between June 2012 and April 2013, when he traded under various business names using the phrase “English Riviera” The name falsely led his customers to believe that his business had Limited status, that he was registered for VAT – and that he was entitled to charge VAT.

Butterworth also failed to inform his customers that he was an undischarged bankrupt during this time – his victims confirmed that, had they known of his status, they would not have employed him.

Butterworth then laundered the money earned from his fraudulent conduct by arranging for payments to be made into his wife’s bank account.

At Exeter Crown Court, Butterworth was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years, with a maximum of 300 hours of unpaid work imposed, as well as a three-month tagged curfew between the hours of 8 pm and 6 am – and a supervision order.

His Honour Judge Salomonsen took into account Butterworth’s previous convictions for similar offences.

After sentencing, Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Environment, Councillor Terry Manning said:

“Through using the skills of two neighbouring council’s Trading Standards Services, we have strengthened our challenge against those who choose to rip off consumers and subsequently affect confidence in those who make an honest living.

“We will continue to work together to promote a fair and safe trading environment for residents of Devon.”

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Devon Trading Standards service, Cllr Roger Croad, added:

“The financial investigation has been important to this case – and it shows how joint working between councils can help pool skills and tackle the rogues.

“This benefits all the consumers in the area and helps establish a level playing field so that good honest businesses in the region can thrive.”

In the early stages of the investigation, Butterworth’s assets were restrained. Following this successful prosecution, proceedings have begun to recover assets of Butterworth’s criminal activities.

Duncan Lewis Business Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis business crime solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving Insolvency Service investigations – as well as allegations company fraud, financial fraud, white collar crime, false accounting, phantom companies, embezzlement, investor fraud, online fraud, Ponzi schemes and misrepresentation.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis business crime solicitor can attend interviews under caution with investigating authorities such as HMRC, SFO, FCA, BIS, Insolvency Service and City of London Police.

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

For expert legal advice on all business crime charges, call Duncan Lewistitle=“Duncan Lewis Business Crime Solicitors”>business crime solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


https://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourcouncil/news.htm?id=135571