Four charged in Stuart Porter Antiques investigation
Four people have been charged with various fraud and drug offences after an investigation into former Stamford business Stuart Porter Antiques.
Officers began looking into the firm, based in Broad Street, in late 2013 after a number of its customers from Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and beyond made complaints. And after a long and complex investigation, four people have today (Tuesday, January 19) been charged.
Stuart Porter, 56, of Eskdale Avenue in Corby, Northamptonshire, has been charged with fraud by false representation (four counts); carrying on a business to defraud creditors; conspiring with others to steal; and production of cannabis.
Maxine Norris, 53, of Bourne Street in Netherfield, Nottingham, has been charged with carrying on a business to defraud creditors and conspiring with others to steal.
Sophie Norris, 21, of Annandale Road in Hull, has been charged with carrying on a business to defraud creditor and conspiring with others to steal.
Dale Withers, 35, of Kirkhams Lane in Wisbech, has been charged with conspiring with others to steal and production of cannabis.
All four have been bailed to appear at Grantham Magistrates Court on March 14.
The Stuart Porter Antiques building has been empty since the business closed.