Andrew Maxted, a 57-year-old individual, has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for perpetrating an elaborate scheme to defraud a building company of almost £600,000. Maxted, masquerading as a qualified accountant, diverted the illicit funds towards luxury cars and extravagant vacations, all to the detriment of the unsuspecting company that had employed him.
The fraudulent activities came to light at Building Solutions when forensic accountants were brought in after the company entered voluntary liquidation in 2017. It was discovered that Maxted had a previous conviction for a similar offence in 1996, highlighting a troubling pattern of behaviour.
Maxted secured a position as an accounts manager at the Cheltenham-based company through a recruitment agency, concealing his past conviction and falsely claiming to be qualified as an accountant. His deception was uncovered when it became evident that funds were being unlawfully redirected into his personal account, some of which he shared with his ex-partner. Shockingly, he spent a significant amount on rent and luxury items, in addition to going on frequent holidays.
The prosecutor, Rachael Skitt, described Maxted as “irrefutably deceitful and manipulative”. She highlighted the impact of his actions on the company and its employees, stating that 30 dedicated individuals lost their jobs due to Maxted’s betrayal of trust.
Judge Ian Lawrie KC, the Recorder of Gloucester, expressed that the imposed sentence was insufficient to heal the wounds inflicted on the victims. He condemned Maxted’s selfish and deceitful actions, emphasizing the lasting impact on the company’s financial stability and the lives of its employees.
Maxted’s actions have had a profound effect not only on his own family, particularly his two young children, but also on the company and its employees. The nearly six-year sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of dishonesty and manipulation at the expense of others. As the victims grapple with the aftermath of Maxted’s fraudulent activities, it is hoped that true remorse and accountability will ultimately prevail.