Accused of pensions scam

Two accused fraudsters denied their involvement in a £13.7m pension scam .

Alan Barratt, 61, and Julian Hanson, 56, allegedly persuaded their victims to part with their savings between 2012 and 2014.

The Pensions Regulator, bringing the prosecution, alleges 245 people were persuaded to transfer a total of £13.7m into pension schemes controlled by the duo.

The pair appeared at Southwark Crown Court and denied fraud by abuse of position.

Susan Dalton, 65, who also attended court, had earlier admitted her role in the scheme.

The charge states that ‘while occupying a position… in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of Abbey Mage Pensions Scheme and others, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to cause loss to Abbey Mage Pension Scheme and others or to expose that person to a risk of loss’.

Judge Jeffrey Pedgen, QC, said: ‘As you have heard, Mr Barratt and Mr Hanson your trial will take place on the 13th June next year.

‘That is a fixture, it will last something like three weeks.

‘There will be a pre-trial review on the 6th May.

‘It is not necessary for you to attend that hearing unless your lawyers want you to be there.

‘Obviously, keep in touch with your solicitors.

‘Ms Dalton, you will be sentenced at the end of the trial of Mr Barratt and Mr Hanson.

‘The issue of a pre-sentence report, which no doubt will be granted, will be raised on the pre-trial review on the 6th of May next year.’

Barratt, of Chelmsford, Essex, and Hanson, of Lea Road, Batley, West Yorkshire, both deny fraud by abuse of position.

Dalton, from Geneva Terrace, Rochdale, has admitted fraud by abuse of position.

Barratt, who was extradited from his home in Spain, was bailed on condition he reside at his brother’s Essex address, who also paid a £100,000 surety for him.

In addition, he has had to surrender his passport, and been banned from entering international travel hubs or applying for travel documents.

All three defendants are banned from contacting each other.

Dalton was bailed on condition she reside at her address, surrender her passport and not apply for any travel documents ahead of her sentence on date to be fixed.

Barratt and Hanson will stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on June 13 next year.