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Two charged in JJB Sports case

4 Ebrill, 2012 | Eitemau newyddion

Two men have today appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in response to a summons in connection with an alleged £1 million fraud relating to contracts entered into by JJB Sports plc (JJB) in 2008.

Christopher Ronnie (50) was the Chief Executive of JJB between August 2007 and March 2009. He is charged with:

  • Three Fraud Act offences in relation to failure to disclose interests in contracts entered into by the company;
  • Two money laundering offences;
  • Two offences of furnishing false information contrary to s17(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968.

David Patrick Ball (51) is an accountant and joint beneficial owner of Fashion & Sport Limited, a supplier to JJB. He is charged with:

  • Three offences of furnishing false information contrary to S17(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968.

Both defendants were released on unconditional bail.  

Background

The case was referred to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) by the Office of Fair Trading and accepted for investigation in August 2009. On 10 September 2009, it was announced that the SFO was investigating the activities of JJB and Sports Direct International plc (SDI) in respect of potential Fraud Act and Enterprise Act offences. On 19 October 2010, it was announced that the SFO investigation into JJB and SDI had been completed and that no charges would be brought against the companies. It was noted that the investigation into individuals continued.

Investigations into possible offences committed by other suspects are on-going.