Emma Kehoe & Rachel Adamson Secure Conviction in Private Prosecution Theft From Business Case

Emma Kehoe, instructed by Rachel Adamson of Adkirk Law, has secured a successful outcome in a significant private prosecution, with sentencing taking place at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

The case concluded with the conviction of the defendant, Peter Robinson, following an extensive four to five-year private investigation. The matter had previously not been pursued by Lancashire Police and was also declined by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The prosecution was brought by business owner Pamela Jones, who funded the proceedings privately. The case ultimately resolved when the defendant entered guilty pleas to two of the three counts on the indictment, ahead of a trial that had been listed for December 2025.

The charges related to events in 2018–2019, when Mr Robinson had undertaken to run Mrs Jones’ business whilst he was seeking to secure funding to purchase it. During this time, Mrs Jones also supported the business financially, including its relocation. It was agreed between the parties that weekly cash sheets would be produced and that all cash receipts would be properly banked; however, neither requirement was fulfilled.

These events occurred while Mrs Jones was unable to return to the mainland, having been stranded on the Isle of Man during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had placed her full trust in the defendant to manage the business appropriately as had been agreed.

At sentence, His Honour Judge Judge Parry determined the case to fall within Culpability A and Harm Category 1, involving high-value losses. The defendant was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.

The case highlights the effectiveness of private prosecutions in circumstances where authorities are unable or unwilling to take action.