Robert Bryan represented the defendant in a £300,000 holiday firm ‘ponzi style’ fraud

Background of the company and director

Robert Bryan represented Ms Shelley Simpson, a company director for Sphere Events Limited. The company incorporated on the 27 March 2019 and dissolved on the 20 May 2025.

Nature of the fraudulent operation

The evidence collated by Portsmouth City Council’s Trading Standard’s Department revealed that Ms Simpson operated a ‘ponzi style’ event and holiday company. The offending generated customer losses of approximately £250,000 and left commercial suppliers chasing another £55,000 meaning losses of approximately £300,000. Some customers were refunded by the defendant and others by their banks leaving residual losses of approximately £152,000 to customers and £55,000 to commercial suppliers.

Business practices and financial mismanagement

These figures are the losses as there were many successful holidays enjoyed by her customers who were largely friends and friends of friends; her turnover was much higher. The defendant offered ‘discounted’ holidays in return for payments up front or payments required well in advance of departure dates. Customers understood their funds would be used to pay for flights, accommodation, tickets, etc., whereas only minimal deposits were paid, or no bookings were made at all proximate to customer payments. On many occasions the Defendant’s quotes for holidays were for less than the amount she paid the travel companies, meaning that she was always trading at a loss, the company was doomed to failure and she was often paying the balance out of her own money and the money of other customers. The Defendant’s actions were in part linked to a disorder which left her manic and at times craving to generate friendships.

Scope of the investigation

The investigation in full took about two years from start to finish before charging. It is by far the biggest fraud case that Portsmouth Trading Standards have ever investigated. There were originally over 90 complaints about Ms Simpson and Sphere Events. The prosecution evidence included about 50 consumer witnesses and supporting exhibits amounting to over 11,000 pages of documents. Additionally, there were statements and information from holiday providers and hotel groups. The 17 Count Indictment alleged Fraudulent Trading, Forgeries and Using False Instruments. After successful negotiation the Defendant pleaded guilty to a single count of Fraudulent Trading.

Expertise in Trading Standards cases

Although often thought of as a Set specialising in Trading Standards’ Prosecutions, Drystone’s members are equally adept at defending these cases, particularly where strong jury advocacy is necessary. Robert Bryan was instructed by Natalie Dennington and Tracy Heywood of Wessex Solicitors.

About the Barrister

Robert Bryan was called to the bar in 1992. He is ranked Band 2 Crime in Chambers UK Bar 2026, and ‘Leading Junior’ Tier 1 Crime in Legal 500 2026.  Robert’s practice covers a wide spectrum of serious crime including homicide, sex-offending, serious fraud and drug conspiracies.

To instruct Robert, contact his clerks, Steve McCarthy, Ryan Bartlett or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.