UPDATE: CLARIFICATION
On December 3rd as part of our coverage of an emissions standards trial, we linked to a full and unabridged copy of Klarius’ statement following the end of the trial.
The statement contained the words: “In his ruling the Judge referred to individuals from two competitor companies who sought to make commercial gain from the situation”. While the judge did refer to individuals from two competitors in his ruling, there was no suggestion explicit or implied that they sought any commercial gain. CAT’s reporting was therefore inaccurate in this respect and CAT apologises for reporting that statement.
Further, CAT is content to clarify that the trial was halted due to disclosure failures of unused material by the prosecution, and not as a result of the prosecution’s evidence against the defendants, which had yet to be tested in court. As previously reported by CAT, DVSA and DfT were disappointed that the evidence they had was not heard.
READ: BREAKING: KLARIUS CASE THROWN OUT OF COURT
Background info:
READ: KLARIUS DIRECTORS FACE COURT
READ: ‘CEASE AND DESIST LEGAL PLEA TO KLARIUS STOCKISTS
READ: ANNOUNCEMENT FROM KLARIUS: CATALYTIC CONVERTER SUPPLY
Statement as issued:
Crown Court Judge acquits Klarius Directors
03.12.2019. Today at Manchester Crown Court five current and past directors and managers of Klarius Products Ltd were 100% cleared of any criminal activities – as claimed by competitors and investigated by the Department for Transport. All were formally acquitted and found ‘not guilty’, without a trial even starting. The Crown Court Judge referred to a “shambolic failure” and ruled that no member of the team should stand trial.
Klarius self-reported problems in 2014 and worked with the VCA through to the end of 2015 to rectify production and administrative issues. The VCA found no intentional misconduct and praised Klarius for its co-operation, openness and unfettered access at all levels. In his ruling the Judge referred to individuals from two competitor companies who sought to make commercial gain from the situation.
The Department for Transport indicated that it could not pursue the case and invited the Judge to acquit all five defendants.
Paul Schofield, solicitor acting for Tony Wilson commented “Today’s ruling marks the end of a case we have always maintained was completely misguided, unfair and inappropriate.”
Anthony Barnfather, a leading Manchester lawyer, also instructed in the case commented “This is one of the most unjust prosecutions I have ever come across. After years of being wrongly accused the directors can now get back to business without a stain on their characters.”
Further reactions and personal statements from those involved will be provided over coming days.
Mellard Steel Stockholders have Supplied Klarius with general steels as well as assisting on bespoke fabrication projects for the past 6 years and have always enjoyed a great supplier/ customer relationship and wish them all the best in the future.
Mark Sillito (Sales Manager)
As a long term supplier of Klarius we have always found them to be a fantastic company to deal with. Great news to see the correct result and look forward to doing business in 2020.
Excellent news that this case has now been put to bed. Now this award winning UK manufacturer can focus entirely on their business.
Great news! The uncertainty of valuable jobs has been lifted. A great morale boost for the whole team.
Brilliant news, well done Klarius!
Great to see this from Klarius – the winners of the 2019 NAA Manufacturing Excellence Award, and valuable member and contributor to our network.
There should be consequences at the DOT! What has that cost in taxpayers money and what cost to the Directors in terms of stress and worry, all for absolutely nothing. Despite all of that Klarius continues to grow from strength to strength, creating jobs locally and in the wider supply chain too. If ever you needed an endorsement that British manufacturing is alive and well in this part of the world just look at the recent NAA Manufacturing Awards where Klarius won the Manufacturing Excellence Award!
Delighted for the Klarius Team 🙂
Wow! How could these guys and their business have to go through all of this simply on the accusation from two competitors. The Department of Transport should be ashamed. The competitors should be named and shamed.
Klarius manufacture here in the UK, despite severe competition and the challenges of Brexit they still manage to win much needed export business.
The Klarius Kicking K….is alive, stronger than ever and kicking out outrageous allegations. Kicking on
through awful uncertainty to lift this years NAA Manufacturing Excellence Award. What a night!
Congratulations to all involved, the courage of the owners, the leadership team and our unequalled human resource…combining hundreds of years of emission control experience on a single continuous site.
Please, let’s have a Kicking K design competition. Let’s kick on into 2020, with a new Logo we can all wear with pride.