Bill Wilson successfully represented a Chartered Accountant in a criminal prosecution brought by the FCA. Five individuals were charged with a number of offences relating to the operation of a £1.4 million investment scheme involving the sale of shares by a Healthcare Company, ‘Symbiosis Healthcare Plc’. Charges ranged from publishing false and misleading statements, inducements and carrying on a regulated activity contrary to a general prohibition. The investigation took in excess of two years, encompassed various jurisdictions and resulted in over one million documents and numerous computers being seized. Bill’s client was the only one who was acquitted on all charges. He was employed by William Albert Securities Ltd, the corporate advisers to Symbiosis who organised the selling of the shares. Two defendants pleaded guilty at an early stage and the remaining two being convicted following trial. The trial lasted for 49 days at Southwark Crown Court. The FCA was assisted by a number of other law enforcement and government agencies, including the City of London Police.

Bill’s comments: "This was an extremely complex and paper intensive case. It was multi-jurisdictional and involved various share platforms across Europe. I advised from the outset and attended with my client during interviews under caution. Like most investigations which are at an early stage, it is always difficult to crystal-ball gaze but in this instance, it transpired that the statement provided at interview by my client, was so fundamental that it became the backbone for his acquittal at trial. I was extremely fortunate in being able to instruct two trial Counsel, Miss Jenny Goldring and Mr David McNeill, both of 5 St Andrews Hill who were immense in the amount of effort afforded to this case."

Client’s comments:

"Before my case with the FCA I had not even been inside a Court let alone a Trial. So, when the FCA instructed me to attend their premises with a solicitor for an interview under caution, I was almost certain I would be charged. I was in total shock and I had no idea what to do.

I was recommended by another solicitor to make contact with Bill. I vividly remember my first contact with Bill by telephone. His voice has that re-assuring quality about it. I knew straight away I was in good hands. Thereafter he was literally by my side throughout the most difficult time of my life, advising, instructing, supporting, encouraging and sustaining my will to defend myself.

I owe him and his handpicked legal team my life. I cannot thank him enough."