Corby man appears in court accused of £90,000 fraud

A Corby man who owns an antiques shop in Stamford has appeared before magistrates accused of defrauding clients in an attempt to make almost £90,000 for himself.
Stuart Porter (left) with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.Stuart Porter (left) with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.
Stuart Porter (left) with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

Stuart Porter, 56, of Eskdale Avenue, appeared at Grantham Magistrates’ Court with two other defendants, Sophie Norris, 21, of Annandale Road, Hull, and her mother, Maxine Norris, 53, of Bourne Street, Netherfield, Nottingham.

A fourth defendant, Dale Alexander Withers, 35, of Kirkhams Lane, Friday Bridge, Wisbech, failed to attend and a warrant without bail was ordered for his arrest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Porter faces four charges of fraud by false representation between September 1, 2011 and April 1, 2013, during which it is said money was provided to him to be invested in the purchase of electrical equipment which would generate a substantial return, intending to make a gain for himself.

The sums he allegedly stood to gain in each case were £56,300, £26,100, £5,000 and £2,500.

Porter is also accused of carrying on the business of a company, namely Stuart Porter Antiques Ltd, in Broad Street, Stamford, intending to defraud creditors or for another fraudulent purpose between January 1 2013 and September 13, 2013.

He is also charged with conspiring with others to steal property deposited with Stuart Porter Antiques Ltd, of a value unknown, between the same dates.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Porter is also charged with producing 11 plants of cannabis in Holbeach St Marks, between July 26, 2013 and September 26, 2013.

Maxine Norris and Sophie Norris are both charged with carrying on a business with intent to defraud creditors or for another fraudulent purpose.

Maxine Norris is also charged with conspiring to commit fraud by false representation between January 1, 2013 and September 13, 2013.

Sophie Norris is charged with conspiring to steal from another between the same dates.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Withers is charged with conspiring to steal property deposited with Stuart Porter Antiques Ltd in 2013 and being concerned in the production of 11 plants of cannabis at Holbeach St Marks in 2013.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the defendants to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on April 11. No pleas were entered.

Related topics: