A WARRINGTON man is one of three people who have been convicted of running an unlicensed money lending business, following a 12-day trial at Chester Crown Court.
The trio were investigated by the England Illegal Money Lending Team working in partnership with Cheshire Police Financial Investigation Unit, Warrington and Halton Borough Council and Knowsley Borough Council. They will be sentenced on Thursday November 7.
John Radford, 57 from Great Sankey, Paul Holman, 35, from Halewood in Knowsley and Sindy Hope, 50 from Runcorn were convicted of running the illegal money lending business between October 2010 and the point of their arrest in March last year, lending to individuals in the Halton and Liverpool areas.
Radford was previously convicted of two firearms offences, after a loaded gun and a quantity of ammunition was uncovered in March last year when officers from the England Illegal Money Lending Team, assisted by Cheshire Police executed a warrant at his home. In addition over £17,000 was seized from safes at his home.
Following his arrest he was remanded in custody and, after being found guilty, sentenced to eight years in prison for possession of the gun, and two years for possession of the ammunition to be served concurrently.
Cllr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, at Warrington said: “The results of this case should send out a clear message – illegal money lending will not be tolerated, we are working hard to catch these criminals and will take whatever action necessary.
“In Warrington we are fully aware of the impact illegal money lending can have on people and families which is why we are supporting the recently launched Warrington Money Box, in Warrington Market, which offers ethical and affordable financial services, through Warrington Credit Unions.”
Tony Quigley head of the Illegal Money Lending Team said “Illegal lenders are a scourge on our communities. Motivated by greed, they draw extortionate amounts of money from vulnerable people, leaving them in financial difficulty. As this case exemplifies illegal money lending often links in with serious criminal activity. It is a crime that will not be tolerated. We would urge anyone aware of any illegal money lending activity to call us in confidence on 0300 555 2222 so we can take action. Our lines are open 24/7 and callers can remain anonymous”
A WARRINGTON man is one of three people who have been convicted of
running an unlicensed money lending business, following a 12-day trial
at Chester Crown Court.
Trio ran illegal money lending business
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
