A fraudulent individual absconded from the United Kingdom along with his spouse after embezzling a significant sum of money from a client who engaged with their window company. Steven Wright, aged 50, and his wife Louise, aged 45, who manage The Cheshire Windows Outlet, received a deposit exceeding £4,000 from homeowner Samuel Bardsley for new windows and doors for his farmhouse renovation project. Subsequently, the couple ceased all communication with Mr. Bardsley, leaving him in the lurch.
Following the transaction, the business proprietor vanished unexpectedly, and it is now suspected that the couple is residing in the United States, specifically in Florida, evading authorities. Judge Jenny Lester-Ashworth mentioned, “They are living abroad in America. When they re-enter the jurisdiction, they will be arrested and brought before the crown court.” Minshull Street Crown Court disclosed that Mr. Wright was operating the company despite being previously banned twice from holding directorial positions in businesses. Both individuals were convicted in absentia after a trial.
According to Prosecutor Andy Evans, Belinda Phelan, a Trading Standards Officer in Stockport, initiated an inquiry into the company upon receiving a tip from Citizens Advice. The investigation revealed fraudulent activities by The Cheshire Windows Outlet, involving the misappropriation of deposit funds without the capability or intention of commencing installations, as well as the illicit operation by a disqualified director.
Mr. Bardsley initially contacted the company via Facebook to discuss installing new windows and doors in his residence. In October 2020, he paid over £4,000, representing 40% of the total £11,170 quotation. After months of unsuccessful attempts to schedule an installation date and unresponsive communication, Mr. Bardsley realized he had been deceived. Despite his efforts to cancel the contract and recover the deposit, no resolution was provided. The couple exhibited reluctance to engage with Trading Standards during the investigation and did not attend their trial, resulting in unanimous guilty verdicts against them.
Steven Wright was convicted of fraud and acting against disqualification orders, while Louise Wright was found guilty of assisting her husband in breaching disqualification orders related to their business operations. The judge refrained from sentencing them in absentia due to insufficient information and concerns for their children. The court’s decision underscored the council’s dedication to safeguarding residents and combatting fraudulent practices, sending a stern warning to dishonest businesses exploiting unsuspecting customers.