AN ABINGDON couple who ran an auctioneers have been found guilty of being involved in stealing a quarter of a million pounds from their customers.

Jonathan and Beverley King, both of Mattock Way, were found guilty by a jury in Reading Crown Court on Thursday, along with brother-in-law Glenn Norcliffe, of Surrey.

Mr King, 67, was found guilty on all eight charges he faced: five of fraud by abuse of position and false representation, two of making false statements and one of knowingly engaging in criminal practice.

Mrs King, 62, was found guilty of one charge of being concerned in the criminal retention or control of property, but was cleared of a second count of the same charge.

Our top stories

Norcliffe, 64, of Marcuse Road, Caterham, in Surrey, was found guilty of four counts of fraud by abusing his position and false representation, but cleared of a fifth.

The trio denied all the charges.

During the six-week trial the jury was told that they plundered money from customers of Cameo Fine Art Auctioneers, based in Midgham in Berkshire, to pay for luxury lifestyles.

Gordon Menzies, prosecuting, said that after selling on other people’s valuables, the family spent the money on expensive shopping trips and an exotic holiday.

The court heard that that customers were sent cheques which either never arrived or bounced, while Norcliffe transferred around £4,000 a month into his own account and £5,000 a month into the Kings’ account.

They had stolen between £100,000 and £250,000 between 2010 and April 2012, when the company closed, Mr Menzies said.

Mr King was not present as the jury returned its verdict, because he was taken ill with heart problems three weeks ago.

Because of this, sentencing has been delayed until February 20, but may be moved again if he does not recover in time.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.