Mr Westcott, who didn’t attend today’s hearing, is alleged to have been selling funeral plans to customers in the Durham area without proper authorisation.
Andrew Procter, Director of Enforcement at the FSA, said:
"The Court’s decision emphasises the need for individuals to co-operate with the FSA’s investigations and makes clear the potential consequences if they fail to co-operate with our enquiries. As part of this investigation, we would like to hear from anyone who was sold a plan by Mr Westcott or any of his aliases, or Cathedral Funeral Services."
This judgement means that Mr Westcott was treated as if he was in Contempt of Court.
In making its Order, the High Court recognised that:
* The FSA has an important statutory function to perform for the protection of the public
* Mr Westcott’s failure to co-operate with the FSA’s investigation was frustrating the statutory purpose and duties of the FSA; and that
* Mr Westcott was prejudicing the interests of the public that the Authority is there to serve
The investigation continues.
