Following an eight-month trial, Fleetwood Town Chairman Andy Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraud. Pilley’s firm, BES Utilities, was accused of multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy supply contracts to small businesses. The charges against Pilley 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, as well as Lee Qualter and Joel Chapman, were also found guilty of fraud offences. The presiding judge has indicated that Pilley will likely face a prison term when he is sentenced on May 23. Fleetwood Town released an official statement following the verdict, reassuring supporters that the club will continue to operate as normal and that talks with the EFL regarding the next steps are already underway.
