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Findlay avoids jail for fraud

Published on 6 Nov 2009 under category: legal

A former Boys Brigade captain has escaped jail over attempted fraud crimes.

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Michael Findlay admitted trying to defraud a bank of £66,000.

He attempted this scam by using a cheque from an inactive account to try to buy a property.

Rather than jail, Findlay was instead given an order for 300 hours of community service for his fraud.

Gregor Kelly, defence lawyer, told the court that Findlay saw himself as being important in the business world and had a "Walter Mitty persona".

He suggested that Findlay's finances deteriorated after he was sentenced to community service in 2005 in relation to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

The lawyer added: "His financial situation broke down like a pack of cards. He is somewhat naive with regards to financial matters. Things spiralled out of control."

Earlier this week, former member of the European parliament Tom Wise admitted to fraud at Southwark Crown Court.

If you require advice on Corporate Fraud please call us on +44 (0)20 7831 0101 and ask for Dan Hyde.