Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Tony Newman, former sales director of builders merchant chain Jewson, has appeared before police in Coventry to answer bail. He is one of five men on bail in connection with a police inquiry into suspected fraud of £1m at the builders merchant.
Newman was dismissed from his £140,000 a year post at the time of his arrest in April. A second Jewson worker was arrested at the same time. Both will reappear before police in April next year.
The inquiry, which dates back to 2003, is looking into allegations of fraud relating to invoices sent between Jewson and other businesses. The irregularities came to light following an internal audit process.
Jewson parent company Saint Gobain have said: “We can confirm that following an investigation by our internal audit department Tony Newman was dismissed from his role as sales director. In addition, one other person, who had been employed by Jewson for less than two weeks, has been dismissed as a result of our internal investigation.
“This matter, which relates to the fraudulent supply and procurement of marketing services, has now been passed to the police who are conducting a detailed investigation with our full co-operation and support. We can categorically state that no customers are or have been in any way involved with this matter.”
