Stuart Jones found not guilty
18 March, 2015 | News Releases
The former head of marketing of JJB Sports plc, Stuart Jones, was today found not guilty of one count of aiding and abetting the use of a false instrument, contrary to Section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.
Mr Jones was cleared after a trial at Leeds Crown Court that began on 9 March 2015 and was overseen by HHJ Kearl QC.
Mr Jones had been due to be tried with his father, Sir David Jones. However, Sir David was unfit for trial, due to ill health, and a nolle prosequi, which brought the proceedings against him to an end, was entered in his case. During his trial, Mr Jones gave evidence that he did not know the document was a forgery, but suggested that his father, amongst others, could have been responsible.
Notes to editors:
- Stuart Jones and Sir David Jones were charged in February 2013. Further details of their charges can be found here.
- Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP, at the request of the SFO, entered a nolle prosequi against Sir David in December last year, due to his continuing ill health. The effect of the nolle prosequi was the indefinite cessation of the proceedings against Sir David.
- Mr Jones’ case was entirely separate to that of Christopher Ronnie, David Ball and David Barrington, who were convicted as part of a separate investigation in November 2014. Further details on their convictions can be found here.