Wine broker cons clients with £25,000 auction scam

A fine wines investment broker funded his own champagne lifestyle with over £25,000 he conned from clients by claiming he could secure them lucrative auction slots for their collections at Sotheby’s sales.

Sammy Rooks, 20, of Bromley, was employed by Encarta Fine Wines, who handle valuable wine portfolios for investors, and went behind their back to charge customers extra fees.

Croydon Crown Court heard he blew the money going out, including on a huge bar bill at his favourite club.

Prosecutor Hamish Reid said: “The defendant, without authority, and on his own initiative contacted clients.

“It all seems to have been spent on bar bills etc.”

Recorder Gregory Mitchell QC said: “Encarta Wines have lost money and it has tarnished their reputation.

“You entertained people at nightclubs and spent large amounts of money on alcohol.”

Rooks was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 300 hours community service after pleading guilty to fraud.