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Nine months in jail for optician who fraudulently transferred assets after bankruptcy (2 October 2015)

Date: 02/10/2015
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Nine months in jail for optician who fraudulently transferred assets after bankruptcy

An optician and former bankrupt who fraudulently transferred his interest in a property to his children in an attempt to deny this asset to his creditors, has been sentenced to nine months in jail.

At the Central Criminal Court in London on 21 September, Ronald James Preedy of 153 Sandy Lane South, Wallington in Surrey was found guilty, following a full criminal investigation and prosecution by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

The court heard that on 13 April 2007, Preedy had previously been convicted of defrauding the NHS. On that occasion, he pleaded guilty to nine counts of obtaining money transfers by deception.

The court heard that Preedy had claimed that a Dr Yaqub had signed claim forms for the payment of eye tests carried out by the doctor, when he had not done so. As a result of the deception, Preedy had obtained money from NHS Primary Care Trusts.

On 28 June 2007, the NHS had commenced civil recovery proceedings against Preedy, seeking approximately £136,008.38 for overpayments resulting from the fraudulent claims.

Despite Preedy completing an “acknowledgement of service” in relation to these NHS claims on 10 July 2007 – indicating that he was fully aware that he owed the NHS a substantial amount – on 11 July 2007, Preedy and his wife transferred their matrimonial home to their three children for no monetary value.

The Official Receiver (OR) estimated that Mr Preedy’s interest in his matrimonial home was worth approximately £193,000.00 at the time.

After sentencing, Deputy Chief Investigating Officer Liam Mannall of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, said:

“Mr Preedy’s main asset would have been more than sufficient to repay all his debts in full – and yet he decided to take a rather different course of action by cynically putting the property beyond the reach of his creditors, while continuing to reside there.

“The Department for Business Innovation and Skills will investigate criminal misconduct by bankrupts, irrespective of when the conduct occurred.

“As illuminated by the sentence handed down to Mr Preedy, the consequences can be severe.”

As well as a nine-month jail sentence, Preedy was also ordered to pay £16,000 in costs.

During the trial, Mr Preedy attempted to blame his former criminal defence solicitor who represented him in the NHS fraud matter – stating that he had only transferred the property on the advice of his solicitor. However, Mr Preedy’s own son contradicted this statement in court.

Preedy also protested his innocence in relation to the NHS fraud conviction, by blaming his barrister and a senior judge for pressurising him into pleading guilty.

At sentencing, His Honour Judge Marks added:

“You are an intelligent man, a professional man.

“You tried to pull the wool over the eyes of jury against a background where you convinced yourself that you had not committed any offences – and that you were a victim of a vicious witch hunt by the NHS.”

Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers

Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving fraud, including business fraud, financial fraud, company fraud, false accounting, white collar crime, benefit fraud and property fraud.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis can attend interviews with investigating authorities such as HMRC, SFA, SFO, City of London Police, DWP and BIS.

For expert legal advice on fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.


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