19 - Man fined for false claims

 

Bryan Pharo, who currently trades as Firstwills.co.uk, was a director of Britannic House Limited, a business engaged in providing will writing services, based in Torquay. 

 

Both its website and company paperwork made reference to Pharo and the company being members of the Institute of Professional Willwriters.

 

But these false claims came to light when the IPW received complaints about the services being offered by Britannic House Limited.  Despite being contacted by Paul Sharpe, the chairman of IPW and trading standards officers, Pharo ignored advice and continued to advertise both his personal and corporate membership.

 

These offences took place in 2005 but when Pharo failed to attend court to answer summons a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested in Leicestershire last week and brought to Dudley to appear before Dudley magistrates yesterday (March 17).

 

Pharo was convicted of sixteen offences under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and was fined a total of £2,400 and ordered to pay £945 costs after being prosecuted by Dudley Council’s trading standards.

“I hope this case will act as a warning to others that if you make false claims you will be tracked down and prosecuted in court. We are pleased with the result and hope it will ensure this individual does not try to con people again.”