Art dealer’s case closed

THE criminal prosecution of a Broughty Ferry art dealer accused of forging the signature of a wellknown city artist has been dropped.

Sandro Paladini was due to stand trial over allegations of selling bogus art work at Eduardo Allesandro Studios on Gray Street.

Charges were first brought against Mr Paladini in 2021 and he denied obtaining more than £2,000 through a fraudulent scheme.

The case at Dundee Sheriff Court had a protracted history, with numerous delays and additional court dates fixed within a threeyear period.

However, the Crown Office has now decided not to proceed any further with its prosecution of Mr Paladini.

An intermediate diet was due to be held in relation to the case but was treated as “not called” by the Crown this week.

A spokesperson said: “It is the duty of the Crown to keep cases under review and following full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the procurator fiscal decided that there should be no further criminal proceedings at this time.

“The Crown reserves the right to proceed in future should further evidence become available.”

It was alleged Mr Paladini, of Brook Street, entered an agreement with West End artist Ron Lawson to sell eight original paintings, along with 195 limited editions of each original painting.

A number of these were signed by Mr Lawson and prosecutors alleged Mr Paladini displayed and offered a number of limited editions and artist proofs.

Court papers alleged the signatures were forged.

Mr Paladini pled not guilty throughout the court proceedings and had originally been due to stand trial in July 2022.

TRIAL: Charges against art dealer Sandro Paladini have been dropped.