Woolston dad involved in investment fraud that saw people lose savings

Mark Warburton played a telesales-like role in a sophisticated case of investment fraud, while his co-defendant Emma McGregor had an admin role.

Warburton would follow a script to fool people into buying shares or bonds in fake companies, while McGregor would be told when and where to move money to.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how the victims in the case have been left living a worse quality of life, with retirement plans disrupted, and no money to leave to their family.

The duo, who did not know each other personally, appeared in the dock together on Friday after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.

Prosecuting, Stephen McNally said how the offence dates back to September 2020 and February 2021.

Mr McNally said that it was investment fraud that consisted of fooling people into believing they were buying shares or bonds in legitimate companies.

He said that there were people with much more senior roles than the two defendants, but that they were ‘cogs in the machine’.

In the background of Warburton's and McGregor’s case, there were four victims who invested large sums of money – specially £10,000, £12,000, £50,000, and £4,000 – for shares that never materialised.

Mark Warburton (Image: Newsquest)

The court was told how Warburton, 40, would follow a sales script and would receive a fee from his seniors if an investment was made by a client.

While McGregor, 42, was referred to as an ‘admin lady’ as she was responsible for moving payments around to different bank accounts.

Mr McNally said how she didn’t receive direct payment for her role, but had her accommodation where she was living in Spain paid for.

Liverpool Crown Court was told how each victim has been hugely impacted by the fraudulent offending.

One said how they wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, another said how they wanted to leave money to their children and grandchildren but are now unable to do so, and another said how their retirement plans have now been disrupted.

Emma McGregor (Image: Newsquest)

It was heard how both defendants claimed they went into the scheme thinking it was ‘legitimate employment’ at first, but were ‘duped’ themselves.

Defending Warburton, Simon Christie said how his client is a hardworking and family man.

“Three or four years ago, he allowed himself to behave in a criminal way,” Mr Christie said.

“He is remorseful and regretful for what he has done.”

Defending McGregor, of East Sussex, Kyra Badman said: “She took the employment with that she thought was a legitimate firm in good faith.

“But it became clear later on that all was not what it seemed.”

Ms Badman said how her client, who has a daughter, could not get out of the scheme as she feared she would be left homeless.

Concluding, Judge Anil Murray noted the ‘serious’ impact that Warburton and McGregor’s offending has had on their victims.

They were both handed eight-month prison sentences suspended for 12 months.

Warburton must complete up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work.

McGregor must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.