The defendant was charged with a conspiracy to commit fraud. This was a classic long firm fraud. The defendant and others were involved in obtaining high-value goods (total £300,000) from companies by furnishing forged cheques. About 15 companies were defrauded in this way.

The conspiracy occurred over many months. Ashmans Solicitors and the instructed Barrister had a number of consultations with the defendant. It was decided in those meetings that the best way forward was for the defendant to plead guilty on a basis of plea which limited his involvement. This proved to be the best advice and strategy because the defendant was not sent to prison. Both of the other defendants received prison sentences. Furthermore the defendant will not have to pay any compensation and no confiscation order was made.

CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD

Conspiracy to defraud is a charge reserved for the most serious of fraud allegations. The offence requires an agreement between people to make money or cause another person to suffer loss, dishonestly.

Whether you knew of the dishonesty in a business or money-making-scheme, or you were an innocent contractor working in good faith; an allegation of conspiracy to defraud must be treated with the utmost respect and seriousness.

The prosecution prefer using this charge instead of the stand alone fraud charges, as those with little evidence against them can easily be reeled into the larger conspiracy by showing a close relationship to others obviously more complicit in the fraud.

To preserve your best chances of success, you must devise a defence strategy as early as possible and speak with our Criminal Solicitors Leeds. Start laying the foundations for your case from the very beginning.