A FRAUDSTER who tricked high-end retailers and hotels into buying fake “Scottish grown tea” has been jailed for more than three years.
Thomas Robinson ran the scam for five years between 2014 and 2019, claiming to have used “innovative techniques” to grow tea on farmland in Perthshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
In reality, the products were purchased from a wholesaler in Oxford and resold with an inflated price tag.
Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel was one of several establishments conned by Robinson, who operated under the name of The Wee Tea Plantation when selling fraudulent items.
A three-and-a-half year custodial sentence was handed down to the 55-year-old on Wednesday after sentencing was initially delayed when his solicitor withdrew from the case.
Representing himself in mitigation, the scammer apologised for his crimes by saying "hubris and arrogance" led him to "believe he knew best".
“I’ve had time to wrestle with this over sleepless nights, coming to realise how wrong and stupid I’ve been,” he told the court.
He continued: “It was a scheme I received support from the Scottish Government.
"I solemnly hope my actions have not detracted from the success which can be achieved for people who want to grow tea in Scotland.
"I can only offer my sincere apologies if my actions have besmirched that capability.”
While sentencing Robinson at Stirling Sheriff Court, Sheriff Keith O'Mahony said his crimes were "not victimless" and involved "significant and persistent planning".
A Food Standards Scotland (FSS) investigation found Robinson also misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety.
He was found guilty of two counts of fraud to a value of almost £553,000 following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court in May, which came after an investigation by FSS.
Ron McNaughton, head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) at FSS, said: “We welcome today’s sentencing as a clear signal that food fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences.
“A three-and-half-year custodial sentence reflects the scale and impact of Mr Robinson’s deception. His actions caused real financial and reputational harm to individuals, businesses and a developing sector of genuine Scottish tea producers.
“This outcome is the result of a complex and painstaking investigation involving a dedicated team at FSS and the cooperation of partner agencies and key witnesses. It demonstrates that those who set out to mislead consumers and defraud businesses will be held accountable.
“Food fraud undermines consumer trust and damages the integrity of Scotland’s globally respected food and drink sector. We remain committed to detecting and disrupting criminal activity of this nature.”
