3PB Barristers’ clients acquitted of fraudulent trading at Reading Crown Court
19th October 2026
Five members of 3PB’s crime and regulatory crime team represented the three defendants in a fraudulent trading trial at Reading Crown Court, arising from Operation TEG, each of whom has been found not guilty.
Nick Robinson and Anna Leathem represented LS. Jonathan Underhill, with Lucie Taylor of Pump Court Chambers, represented LA. Thomas Evans and Rebecca McKnight represented EF.
The charges, under section 993 of the Companies Act 2006, concerned four companies which sold call-blocking devices and services to the public by telephone between 2014 and 2019, with combined receipts of more than £4.7 million. The prosecution alleged that each business was carried on for a fraudulent purpose. LS and LA faced four counts. EF faced one.
At the close of the prosecution case, in the fourth week of the trial, submissions were made on behalf of LS and LA that there was no case to answer. HHJ Millard upheld the submissions and not guilty verdicts were entered on all counts.
EF’s case had been severed during the trial. The prosecution subsequently offered no evidence against her and a not guilty verdict was entered.
Nick and Anna were instructed by Dwayne Lewis of Renshaw Derrick Solicitors. Jonathan was instructed by Lee Christmas of Owen & Sharpe Solicitors. Thomas and Rebecca were instructed by Harry Price-Smith of MPS Defence.
To contact or instruct Nick, Anna, Jonathan, Thomas or Rebecca, please email Chambers Director Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or telephone him on 01962 868884.
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