Unravelling the Deception: A Triumph Over Fraud by Abuse of Position

Mr. O was a district manager at Ladbrokes, and was responsible for over 45 stores in the area. Due to the stores being poorly staffed, technical issues, and other problems, Mr. O regularly stayed late to process the customers’ bets, and would prioritise regular customers over new ones (according to the company policy). Despite this, there would be times when other staff members would let bets sit, unprocessed, overnight due to technical issues or lack of adequate staff. During one such time, a regular customer would make her bets in cash and deposit the winnings onto a debit card. The combination of running multiple storefronts, processing bets late into the night, and managing technical difficulties in multiple stores inevitably resulted in a few errors being made while processing bets.  

Despite the lack of staff, Mr. O was summarily dismissed, after he was accused by a supervisor of stealing £1,500 and attempting to commit  

fraud by abuse of position. Despite trying to explain his actions, he was immediately let go, and was shocked to find himself facing criminal charges of fraud by abuse of position, resulting in his arrest.  

Fearful for his future and wanting to fight this false accusation, he contacted us to represent him. Our criminal defence solicitors immediately sprang to action, determined to uncover the truth of the matter. After meticulously analysing all evidence submitted by the police and the prosecution, our lawyers conducted their own investigation into the matter. Beginning with the store’s finances, our solicitors recruited a financial expert and an accountant to go through the store’s bets, analyse all finances, and determine if there was any money missing. Furthermore, our fraud lawyers scanned all CCTV footage from within the store, to prove that our client did spend time after hours to ensure the work was complete. Finally, our fraud lawyers spoke to other staff members at Ladbrokes, and to our client’s friends and family members to ascertain his character.  

The financial expert revealed that there was no money missing; CCTV footage verified our client’s claims of working into the night, and multiple character statements spoke to our client’s good nature, and the fact that he had never been charged or arrested before. All staff members and his friends spoke to his work ethic, his willingness to go above and beyond, and his dedication to his role.  

During the trial, our fraud lawyers submitted overwhelming evidence that the money was not missing and that the fraud allegations were false and maliciously made by his supervisor. Through their decisive arguments, backed up by evidence, our fraud lawyers were able to successfully prove that our client was entirely innocent, and was wrongfully arrested and charged with a serious offence. Faced with the facts, the jury voted to acquit our client, thereby restoring his freedom and his reputation.  

It can take one false accusation from a malicious third-party – be it an ex-friend, or a supervisor at your workplace – to derail your life for years, and potentially affect your career for the rest of your life. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, please don’t hesitate to contact us now. We’re here to help defend your rights and protect your interests. 

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