Eillean Glas Lighthouse Couple Jailed (Ford-Sagers) - AT LAST !
Eillean Glas Lighthouse Couple Jailed - AT LAST !:
Eillean Glas Lighthouse is a place of astounding beauty and historical importance. Unfortunately a couple (Brenda and Robert Ford-Sagers) managed to gain ownership many years ago (1984). This disgraceful couple made an honest attempt at developing Eillean Glas Lighthouse as a business but with such a mammoth task ahead of them they soon fell into difficulties.
Unlike decent people, these "con-artists" set about attempting to raise money for their venture via several unashamed money-making schemes. One such scheme was set up to allow refugees and the likes to stay at the lighthouse but this failed (I think it was called the Buttercup Trust or the Daffodil Trust - something like that anyway!), almost immediately. Another scheme was the classic "timeshare" to which a couple of elderly people were conned into purchasing time slots when the building was in such a state of disrepair that it was, by then, uninhabitable. This shady couple even rented the place out to unsuspecting "dreamers" but when they arrived they found the accommodation unsuitable for any long term living.
Finally the bank and other bodies that had an involvement decided that it was time to call in their loans. Eillean Glas Lighthouse was repossessed but unfortunately there was somebody living there! Pleas were made and an arrangement was made to allow more time for the raising of funds. During this time the Ford-Sagers hatched their little plot to set up a charitable trust. The "Friends of Eillean Glas Trust " was set up immediately. "Friends" would support the restoration of the historically important building by both work and financial funding but, unfortunately, like their other schemes, this was doomed to failure.
At the time of the repossession contact was made with the parties involved with the sale of the property and it was stated that it would be sold to meet the debts of the Ford-Sagers which then stood at £30,000. Finding funding for the property would have been relatively easy and requests were made to be kept informed. The property was advertised for sale but strangely a sale did not appear to go through. It would appear that the banks (& other creditors) had "come to an arrangement" with the "Friends of Eillean Glas Trust". When I personally investigated this trust I noticed that the names mentioned had a direct relationship with the Ford-Sagers with their son (then about 8-years-old) and their financial and legal advisor and some obviously fake names as trustees. I made my objections, at that time, but was ignored. It would appear that the Ford-Sagers remained owners!
It now appears that between 1995 & 1997, the Ford-Sagers embezzled nearly £130,000 from the trust to fund the mortgage repayments. The Charity Commission supported a Hampshire Police enquiry into the affair which has resulted in the jailing of both Brenda and Robert Ford-Sagers for three years each. Brenda and Robert Ford-Sagers address was listed as Kyles School House, Harris (where they have not lived for many years) but their bail address was given as Denmead in Hampshire. The Ford-Sagers, at Southampton Crown Court, admitted five charges of theft and deception.
Furthermore, Brenda Ford-Sagers was also sentenced to a concurrent year's imprisonment for providing false information to the Charity Commission (Charity Watchdog).
In 1995 during the time of the repossession. Brenda Ford-Sagers appeared at the lighthouse, which had been boarded up by the bailiffs, broke in and attempted to run away with items from the living areas. The police were called and she was escorted from the property. The items she was attempting to steal were only junk and included broken items such as an electric fire (value £0).
I am still deeply suspicious as to the involvement of the Ford-Sagers financial and legal advisor as he was fully aware of the dealings of the Ford-Sagers and I would go as far as to suggest that he could have played an active role in the fraud. Even more alarming is the possible involvement of the Banks and other creditors who were also aware of the association of the Ford-Sagers and the "Trust" but it would appear that they continued to accept payments from the Ford-Sagers for many years knowing the nature of the people! If I had invested money in the "Trust" I would be looking to the Ford-Sagers, their financial advisor and their creditors for compensation!
NOW WHAT HAPPENS? - If you look at the plans for Harris this property has long been listed for development but it is not owned by the Council! The Chairman of Harris Development Ltd. has stated that he thinks that the Scalpay Community should consider a take over but do they realise that the cost of the new roof alone would run into £millions after the neglect by the Ford-Sagers!
Please note: I will not respond to mail on this matter. I witnessed events myself along with other witnesses. I have reported events as I see them and express my opinion based upon these facts and events.
