EFL chairman found guilty of fraud and facing prison and losing club ownership after five-year investigation
FLEETWOOD TOWN Chairman Andy Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraud following an eight-month trial.
BES Utilities – the firm owned by Pilley – stood accused of multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy supply contracts to small businesses.
Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraudMark Robinson – The Sun
And on Friday, the 52-year-old was found guilty on all the charges, which include two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representations, and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
Pilley’s sister, Michelle Davidson, 49, as well as Lee Qualter, 52, and Joel Chapman, 38, were also found guilty of a number of fraud offences.
The Fleetwood Chairman was remanded in custody after the jury delivered their unanimous verdict.
The presiding judge, Judge Knowles KC, has indicated that he will likely face a prison term when he is sentenced on May 23.
After the verdict was announced on Friday, Fleetwood Town released an official statement which read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the verdict in the court case involving club Chairman, Andy Pilley.
“The Chairman would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal.
“Today’s verdicts will not affect the running or future of Fleetwood Town Football Club.
“The club is already in talks with the EFL regarding the next steps and will be making no further comment at this time.”
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An additional statement read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the Club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
“The Club’s Senior Management Team and directors have been planning for a number of months for the event of a verdict of this nature.
“A meeting of the Club’s management has taken place this evening and plans are already in operation to ensure its business as usual.
“We’d like to reassure supporters charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group.
“Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”
Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
The Fishermen finished the 2022-23 campaign 13th in the League One table.
