Fine Wines Investment Broker Scammed Clients For £25K

A fine wines investment broker funded his own champagne lifestyle with over £25,000 he conned from clients by claiming he could secure them lucrative auction slots for their collections at Sotheby's sales.

Sammy Rooks, 20, of Randolph Road, Bromley was employed by Encarta Fine Wines, who handle valuable wine portfolios for investors, and went behind their back to charge customers extra fees.

He was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to perform 300 hours community service and must obey a six-month night time tagged curfew.

Croydon Crown Court heard he blew all the money during a busy night life, spending the majority to pay a huge bar bill at his favourite club.

Rooks pleaded guilty to defrauding Anthony Gambling of £2,740; John Wear of £10,690; Alistair Campbell of £4,700; David Causton of £4,470 and stealing £3,000 from 80 year-old stroke victim William Jarrett.

“The defendant, without authority, and on his own initiative contacted clients,” said prosecutor Mr. Hamish Reid. “It all seems to have been spent on bar bills etc.”

One of the victims was told by Rooks £500 would get him a preferential auction slot for the sale of his wine collection and gave the details of his own Metro bank account for payment and made follow-up requests for more money.

“All those requests were not legitimate and the clients were contacted personally by Rooks.

“One of the payments was made directly to a nightclub to pay the defendant's bar bill.”

The older victim's money transfer was highlighted by his concerned son, explained Mr. Reid. “Mr. Jarrett may have been targeted due to his age and infirmity and no money was repaid.”

Rooks' lawyer told the court his client has curbed his lifestyle and is determined to repay all of the money with an initial £2,000 lump sum, followed by payments of £300 per month.

Recorder Gregory Mitchell QC said: “There were a number of offences, a breach of trust and one of the offences was against a vulnerable victim.

“Encarta Wines have lost money and it has tarnished their reputation.

“There are particularly bad features to this case, however there are factors in your favour,” the recorder told first-time offender Rooks.

“You have shown remorse and wish to pay off the debt.

“You entertained people at nightclubs and spent large amounts of money on alcohol.”