Three in court accused of £350k fraud concerning sale of red diesel in the North East

Two women and a man have appeared in court accused of a £350,000 fraud in relation to the sale of red diesel.

Sylvia Pallas, Lorna McCaffrey and Michael Lyons are alleged to have been involved in selling the fuel in the North East for use in road vehicles while fraudulently evading duty chargeable on the goods. The fraud is suspected to have taken place over five years between January 1 2014 and November 26 2019.

Pallas, 67, of Low Urpeth, in Chester-le-Street, McCaffrey, 34, of Railway Cottages, in Birtley, and Lyons, 65, of no fixed abode, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face one count each of fraudulently evading duty. They all withheld their pleas.

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The charge read: "Between January 1 2014 and November 26 2019, at North East, in relation to goods, namely by selling Marked Rebated Gas Oil to customers for use in road vehicles, were knowingly concerned in a fraudulent evasion of any duty chargeable on the goods. Contrary to section 170(2) and (3) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979"."

All three spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses during the short hearing. Sarah Malkinson, prosecuting, said: "This is a case relating to the fraudulent evasion of duty in relation to the sale of red diesel for motorists to use. The total amount involved is £350,000. The Crown would say this is not suitable for summary trial and should be sent to the crown court."

Magistrates agreed and released all three on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on January 3.

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