Holiday fraud probe needs cash to bring prosecution
The latest investigation into a convicted conman from Bournemouth is at “an advanced stage” – but Trading Standards officers face not being able to bring a prosecution because of the cost.
Francis – or Frank – Madden was given a six-month suspended sentence for eight counts of unfair trading at Southampton Crown Court in 2012, as well as being ordered to pay £2,650 compensation to victims of his holiday scams, as well as £5,000 costs.
Following that case, Bournemouth Trading Standards received complaints about Madden and several businesses he ran – Central Marketing 2012, Glenleigh Ltd, Re Co Corp Ltd, Glenleigh Promotions and Elite Vacations.