Birkenhead loan shark convicted

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Legal

A Birkenhead loan shark has been convicted of illegal money lending and money laundering at Liverpool Crown Court.

Gerald Daord, 52, ran the illegal business from his home in Hampton Close for almost four years.

He was arrested in August 2011 following a warrant by the England Illegal Money Lending Team working in partnership with Merseyside Police and Wirral Council. Cash and documentation was seized during the arrest.

He was found guilty after a six day trial and will be sentenced next week.

Cllr Brian Kenny, Wirral Council Cabinet member for Environment, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of this case and credit goes to everyone involved in the successful investigation; it proves once again the value of our partnerships with the dedicated England Illegal Money Lending Team and members of our community.”

Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks are a scourge on our communities. They may appear friendly at first but they cause nothing but misery."

Nationally the Stop Loan Shark Project has secured over 212 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to 132 years worth of custodial sentences. They have written off almost £40 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 18,000 victims.