Financier faces trial over £200k fraud allegation

A former financial adviser accused of conning customers out of more than £200,000 is expected to face a trial.
Martin Rigney, 66, of King Edwards, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield. Accused of fraud and forgery in Hope Valley Derbyshire.Martin Rigney, 66, of King Edwards, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield. Accused of fraud and forgery in Hope Valley Derbyshire.
Martin Rigney, 66, of King Edwards, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield. Accused of fraud and forgery in Hope Valley Derbyshire.

Martin Rigney, formerly of Great Hucklow, near Buxton, appeared at Derby Crown Court on Friday, March 4, and pleaded not guilty to eight counts of fraud and 11 counts of forgery. The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2003 and 2012.

Prosecuting barrister Martin Thatcher previously stated it is alleged that Rigney created false signatures with documents to invest sums of money into higher risk investments and was allegedly increasing his commission at the loss of those entrusting money to him.

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A previous court hearing at Chesterfield magistrates’ court also heard from prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop how Rigney was an independent financial advisor and director of Topps Rogers Financial Management.

She claimed Rigney, of King Edwards, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield, allegedly transferred monies without the authorisation of a number of complainants who were customers of Rigney’s company. Mrs Allsop also claimed authorisations were allegedly forged.

The alleged value of losses, according to the Chesterfield magistrates’ court hearing, is more than £200,000 to the detriment of customers with Rigney allegedly obtaining commission with transfers from one fund to another.

Rigney’s case has been listed for a further hearing on July 1 and a trial is expected to be fixed for April 24, next year.

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