Following a seven-year investigation a married couple who invested in property and businesses have been found not guilty of charges under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and other consumer legislation.
The not guilty verdicts followed a series of hearings in which Mr Patton and Mr Rooney challenged the legality of property searches and the admissibility of expert evidence.
On Monday 13 March 2023, the prosecution offered no evidence against the couple.
Robin Patton, instructed by Gerald Armstrong Solicitors, Sunderland, represented the husband and Paul Rooney, instructed by Angus Westgarth Solicitors, Sunderland represented the wife.