Diet con duo face deadline on cash

The Crown’s fight to recoup some of the money made by two north-east women who duped thousands of hopeful dieters with a “miracle cure” has been continued until the new year.

Sisters Helen Buchan, 51, and Carol Wiseman, 49, made more than £2million selling fake treatments through their Secret Diet Drops business. The pair, from Fraserburgh, were fined £9,000 last March.

The Crown Office also made a motion to collect some of their illicit gains through the proceeds of crime act – but it has been repeatedly delayed by the duo requesting more time to sort out their finances.

Yesterday, the case called again at Peterhead Sheriff Court and was delayed for the seventh

“Proceeding whether they are ready or not in February”

time. Sheriff Kevin Drummond issued a stark warning that he would be proceeding whether they are “ready or not” in February.

Yesterday’s deferral came after it “just came to light” that Buchan, of Greenbank Grove, had run out cash to pay for a solicitor on her own, and was seeking legal aid.

Wiseman, of Burns Place, meanwhile, has not been heard from for “a number of weeks”.

Local agent Leonard Burkinshaw acted on behalf of the women – who were not present – at yesterday’s calling.

Fiscal Depute Karen Dow said she was under instructions to proceed to a proof hearing before the time bar expires on the case on February 25.

The sisters previously admitted to selling common apple vinegar cider and telling buyers it would help break down fat, kill cancer cells and help with arthritis. As well as being fined, Wiseman and Buchan were both ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.