Kitchens boss trial to start

THE trial of Oldham Kitchen Company boss Vance Miller begins on Monday in what is believed to be the largest ever trial brought by Trading Standards in the UK.

Mr Miller and three associates face several charges at Manchester Crown Court, in a trial that is listed to last three months and could even take half a year.

Mr Miller (44), of Cemetery Road, Ramsbottom; Alan Ford (45), of Firbank Close, Ashton; Sadiya Hussein (29), of Newfield Head Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale, and Nicola Brodie, of Square Street, Ramsbottom, are all charged with conspiracy to defraud.

Mr Miller and Mr Ford also face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and conspiracy to commit fraud by failing to disclose information.

The alleged offences relate to their businesses that operate from Maple Mill, Cardwell Street, Hathershaw, including Rock Solid Kitchens.

The case covers complaints from customers from across the UK.

The enormous prosecution case includes 24,000 documents and 230 witnesses.

The huge bulk of information means the case can’t be delivered using traditional paper documents so an electronic presentation on screens will be used for the first time by Trading Standards in a specially-adapted court room.

The prosecution is brought for the Crown by Oldham Council’s Trading Standards Department, which will be represented by Patrick Field QC. It will be heard by judge Jonathon Foster QC.