Workers who ‘dishonestly’ sold ‘poor quality’ kitchens are jailed
TWO people have been jailed for ‘deliberately’ and ‘dishonestly’ selling kitchens of ‘exceptionally poor quality’ on behalf of businessman Vance Miller.
Kelly Dobson, 42, was sent down for three years and Anthony Eddlestone, 54, was handed a 28-month jail term after they were both found guilty of conspiracy to defraud.
The fraud cost 300 angry consumers about £2.6 million and was brought down by a Trading Standards investigation.
A Manchester Crown Court sentencing hearing heard that Dobson and Eddlestone worked for a kitchen business ‘for the benefit’ of Vance Miller from 2010 to 2015.
The businessman is currently believed to be living in Java, Indonesia.
Prosecuting, Alasdair Campbell said that Dobson, of Church Street, Tintwistle, Glossop, had responsibility for customer services and Eddlestone, of Thornwood Court, Buxton, ‘effectively’ ran a showroom and attended court when claims were being contested.
The court heard that they were selling cheaply made kitchens shipped to the UK from China, falsely described to customers as ‘last year’s B&Q’ stock.
Efforts were made to conceal that it was Miller’s business, Mr Campbell said, with a variety of businesses operating under different names.
These included Kitchens Now, Kitchens Uber, Sensibly Priced Kitchens, Kitchen Factory Outlet and Simply Kitchens.
Mr Campbell said the after sales service was ‘deliberately appalling’ to stop customers from getting their money back.
The court heard staff were ‘by and large rude and aggressive’ - and that some customers were sworn at.
They spent hours on hold trying to get through to the business, but were often cut off. False positive reviews of the business’ products and services were left on the internet, the court heard.
Judge Michael Leeming said some customers were so frustrated they ‘simply gave up’ and made do with what they had.
Sentencing, the judge said: “Neither of you showed any real regrets for what took place. Both of you were more concerned about saving yourselves.
“Each of you continued to work for Vance Miller knowing exactly what was going on.”
Miller’s former girlfriend and five others were jailed last year for their part in the Maple Mill operation.
The mill burnt down in a fire in December last year.
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing earlier this month, Miller was ordered to pay more than £2.3 million within three months or risk eight years in jail.
After the hearing, Lord Toby Harris, chairman of National Trading Standards, said: “This prosecution and the sentences handed down today send a strong message that National Trading Standards will not hesitate to act against criminals who defraud consumers.
“Unfortunately, sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between a legitimate and a criminal business – particularly if they take steps to conceal their true nature.
“I would always recommend researching references and credentials before handing over any money. However, if you are in any doubt I would urge you to help us clamp down on this criminal activity by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.”