Man cleared of £7m property fraud faces court over bankruptcy

Man cleared of £7m property fraud faces court over bankruptcy




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By Dawn Murden

A Scottish businessman

cleared of his involvement in a multi-million pound fraud

is set to reappear in court this year, after his partner and former co-accused decided to take legal action against him.

Property developer David Pocock, 48, is being taken to court by his partner of 15 years, Arlyn Cran, 41.  Ms Cran is claiming against Mr Pocock as a creditor following his bankruptcy in 2003. The couple – who are currently living at the same address – were among the nine people cleared of a £7 million property fraud in March, earlier this year.

Mr Pocock and the eight other property professionals faced criminal allegations, which included forming fraudulent schemes to gain money, mortgages and property.

Members of Mr Pocock’s family, including his son David Pocock, 30, brothers Frank Pocock, 48, and Patrick Pocock, 45, were also among the accused.

Former solicitor Russell Taylor and chartered surveyor Alastair and David Ramage faced the same charges as Mr Pocock and his family members.

There were several fraud allegations brought against them, with the total sum of the frauds thought to equal £7 million.

Both Ms Cran –and another man named Mark Mackie, 41, were involved in the trial, but faced lesser charges than the others.

The trial took place at the High Court in Glasgow earlier this year, but allegations were dropped because it was not in the interest of the public to continue with the prosecution.

Although they have been cleared, it has since been referred to the Crown’s Civil Recovery Unit, which may lead to further action under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize assets from them.

The civil case involving Ms Cran and Mr Pocock had been postponed while the criminal proceedings took place, but resumed in June.

Mr Pocock was taken to court by Lloyds TSB and made bankrupt in 2003.

The civil case between Mr Pocock and Ms Cran will resume at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in October, as the initial hearing was delayed last week.

A subsequent claim by Ms Cran for repayment of a debt was rejected, but she has now appealed. The value of her claim against the property developer is not known.

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