Director of mobility furniture business who misled vulnerable customers found guilty of fraudulent trading and consumer protection offences
Jonathan Goulding and Alison Hollis appeared for the prosecution, Suffolk Trading Standards, in a three week trial at Ipswich Crown Court which concluded on 31st October 2019 with convictions on all of the 16 counts faced by the defendants, David Waters and Anchor Mobility Limited.
The defendants failed to fulfil orders after taking money off consumers and then refused to refund them. The customers involved were mainly elderly, vulnerable and suffering from serious illnesses or disabilities. During the trial, evidence was heard from 26 customers who between them lost approximately £82,000 for furniture they ordered, paid for and which was never delivered. Anchor Mobility Limited was a business set up to supply bespoke armchairs and beds targeting elderly and disabled consumers. One customer paid over £8,000 for two beds, which were never delivered, and no refund was ever received.
David Waters, the sole director of Anchor Mobility Limited, was found guilty of an offence of fraudulent trading under the Companies Act 2006 and 15 offences of engaging in unfair commercial practices under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Anchor Mobility Limited was found guilty of 15 offences under the 2008 Regulations.
Sentencing will take place on 19th December 2019.
News coverage may be viewed here.