It has been announced that five current and past directors and managers of Klarius Products Ltd have been cleared of any criminal activities.
Claims had been brought against them by competitors and an investigation had been carried out by the Department for Transport. All have, however, been formally acquitted and found ‘not guilty’, without a trial even starting.
The Crown Court Judge reportedly referred to a “shambolic failure” and ruled that no member of the team should stand trial.
Klarius was said to have self-reported problems in 2014 and worked with the VCA through to the end of 2015 to rectify production and administrative issues. The VCA reportedly found no intentional misconduct and praised Klarius for its co-operation, openness and unfettered access at all levels.
In his ruling the Judge reportedly referred to individuals from two competitor companies who sought to make commercial gain from the situation. The Department for Transport indicated that it could not pursue the case and invited the Judge to acquit all five defendants.
Paul Schofield, Solicitor acting for Tony Wilson, commented: “Today’s ruling marks the end of a case we have always maintained was completely misguided, unfair and inappropriate.”
Anthony Barnfather, a leading Manchester Lawyer, who also instructed in the case, added: “This is one of the most unjust prosecutions I have ever come across. After years of being wrongly accused the directors can now get back to business without a stain on their characters.”
