Brookside star jailed over £13m modelling fraud

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National Trading Standards Philip Foster played Christian Wright in the Merseyside TV soap

A former Brookside actor who masterminded a £13.6million fraud operation that conned thousands of would-be models has been jailed. Philip Foster, 49, who played Christian Wright in the Liverpool soap, ran a network of fake modelling agencies for more than eight years. Foster, who lived in Marbella, Spain, was given an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday for conspiracy to defraud. Eight other people were sentenced in relation to the fraud and an arrest warrant was issued for Foster and an associate after both failed to appear in court.

More than 6,000 victims parted with money on the false promise of securing paid modelling work from Foster, whose address was given as Chermside Road, Liverpool, but who operated from his base in Spain. He used a network of associates in England to operate a string of sham modelling agencies and photography studios in cities including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry and Nottingham. The scam was uncovered in a six-year investigation by National Trading Standards (NTS). After sentencing, NTS chairman Lord Bichard said Foster's "cruel exploits left thousands of victims in serious debt, causing lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures".

Payday loans

Victims first received emails telling them they had potential after they responded to a social media advertising campaign. They were invited to a "free" test shoot at a photographic studio where they were handed glossy brochures and told they had passed their studio test, but would need to buy a portfolio of images for the modelling agencies who were interested in them. Some victims used credit deals arranged by the fraudsters or expensive payday loans to make the upfront payment. In return, they got poor quality digital photographs which stood no real chance of landing them professional jobs and most did not get paid modelling work.

National Trading Standards (NTS) Eight other defendants received jail terms or suspended prison sentences

The sham agencies, which paid no tax, existed for short periods before being dissolved and rebranded. Money from the scam was laundered through UK bank accounts before being transferred to Spain, or carried in cash on commercial flights by co-conspirators, the NTS said. North Yorkshire councillor Greg White said: "Foster and his fellow scammers cruelly exploited young hopefuls trying to break into one of the most competitive industries. "In some cases, parents borrowed money or sacrificed savings believing they were investing in their children's futures." Foster bought high-end watches and cars with his share of the proceeds, while many victims told NTS investigators they had been left financially and emotionally devastated and felt humiliated and betrayed. Some experienced lasting distress that affected their confidence, wellbeing and ability to trust others, the court heard.

The other defendants sentenced for conspiracy to defraud were: Michael Foster, 27, of Florence Gardens in Hereford and who failed to turn up to court, was jailed for three and a half years

Jamie Peters, 52, of Warrington, received a suspended 24-month prison sentence

Lisa Foster, 42, of Manchester Road in Astley, was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence

Emily Newall, 29, of Bolton Road, Kearsley, was handed a 10-month suspended prison sentence

Atif Qadar, 44, of Larkswood Drive in Crowthorne, got a suspended 12-month prison sentence

Paul Fleury, 57, of Manchester Road, Swinton, received a suspended 18-month prison sentence Additionally, the following sentences were passed for charges relating to money laundering: Paul Evans, 39, of no known address, jailed for three and a half years

Aslihan Foster, 39, of Tredington Road, Coventry, received an18-month suspended prison sentence

Hackman and wife likely died 10 days before bodies found, sheriff says

13 hours ago Share Save Patrick Jackson BBC News Share Save

Getty Images Gene and Betsy (file image from 1991)

US investigators are trying to establish how Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, died after the discovery of their bodies at their home in the US state of New Mexico. Officials said on Friday that evidence points to Hackman having been dead since 17 February - 10 days before the couples' bodies were found. Here is what we know so far about the death of a Hollywood legend known for such films as The French Connection and The Conversation. Warning: this article contains details some readers may find upsetting

How were the deaths discovered?

The bodies of the couple and one of their dogs were found by police on Wednesday at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a maintenance worker called emergency services. In a recording of the 911 call obtained by the BBC, the emotional caller can be heard telling a dispatcher how he found the two bodies. Hackman, 95, was discovered in a side room near the kitchen while Arakawa, 65, was found in a bathroom, at the property on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park. The couple appeared to have been "dead for quite a while", said Sheriff Adan Mendoza. Arakawa's body showed signs of "decomposition", and "mummification" in the hands and feet, a sheriff's detective said. Hackman's remains "showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent" with those on his spouse. A German Shepherd dog owned by the couple was found dead in a bathroom closet near to Arakawa.

Listen to the 911 call after two bodies found at Hackman residence

What do we know about the cause of death for Hackman and Arakawa?

No cause was given in police statements immediately after the announcement of the deaths. The authorities reported no signs of injury but deemed the deaths "suspicious enough" to investigate and did not rule out foul play. A carbon monoxide poisoning test came out negative for both Arakawa and Hackman, the Santa Fe Sheriff's office said on Friday. Near Arakawa's head was a portable heater, which the detective determined could have been brought down in the event that she had abruptly fallen to the ground. An autopsy and toxicology tests have been requested for both Hackman and Arakawa. Authorities said it could be a few months before the results of those are released. The local utility company found no sign of a gas leak in the area and the fire department detected no indication of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning, according to the search warrant. A prescription bottle and scattered pills lay on the bathroom countertop close to Arakawa's body. Prescription pills found in the home were common medications for thyroid and high blood pressure, according to a search warrant. Hackman was discovered wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt and brown slippers. Sunglasses and a walking cane lay next to his body. The detective suspected that the actor had suffered a sudden fall.

Why are the deaths considered suspicious?

The circumstances of their death were deemed "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation", the search warrant says, because the worker who called emergency services had found the front door of the property open. However, the detective observed no sign of forced entry into the home. Nothing appeared out of place inside. "There was no indication of a struggle," said Sheriff Mendoza. "There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be indication that there was a crime that had occurred." Two other, healthy dogs were discovered roaming the property - one inside and one out.

What do we know about the time of their deaths?

Authorities said Hackman's pacemaker last registered activity on 17 February, adding that this gives them a good assumption that was his last day of life. But police said it is unclear who died first - Hackman or Arakawa. The two maintenance workers who found the couple, one of whom called the emergency services, say they last had contact with the couple two weeks earlier. The two said they had sometimes conducted routine work at the property, but rarely ever saw Hackman and Arakawa. They had communicated with them by phone and text, primarily with Arakawa.

What do we know about the couple's health?

Were Tate brothers released in secret deal - or is the truth far more chaotic?

11 hours ago Share Save Andrew Harding BBC News Reporting from Bucharest Share Save

EPA Andrew Tate is accused of human trafficking and sexually exploiting women alongside his brother Tristan

These were already turbulent times in Romania. But as people here navigate the late winter ice and slush on Bucharest's elegant streets, the abrupt departure of the Tate brothers by private jet has left a fresh trail of confusion and unanswered questions in its wake. A country grappling with a cancelled presidential election, its future in Europe, its support for neighbouring Ukraine, widespread corruption, and collapsing faith in public institutions, is now left pondering why two controversial foreigners, facing a raft of complex but serious criminal charges, have been treated with such apparent lenience; their confiscated assets and their passports suddenly returned to them. Was a secret deal done between Romania's government and the Trump administration? If so, in these increasingly transactional times, what does Romania get in return? Or was this more like a pre-emptive gesture of good will towards the American president, a gift to lay at Donald Trump's imperious feet? Or are we searching for conspiracies when the truth is probably far more chaotic?

As foreign leaders – from Volodymyr Zelensky to Sir Keir Starmer – travel to Washington DC bearing deals and other apparent peace offerings, one might ask who could blame Romania, a staunch NATO ally navigating a host of internal and external challenges, for trying to keep an increasingly unpredictable US administration on side? "It's a matter of life (or death) for Romania," said security analyst George Scutaru, describing his country's need to shore up Western support in the face of growing pressure from the Kremlin. Declining to comment on the Tate issue specifically, Scutaru said it was clear Moscow was seeking to undermine Romania's democracy and that the government had good reason to seek ways to remind the Trump administration of the many advantages – commercial, diplomatic, and military – of continuing to back it. But if the Tate brothers are part of that equation, it is already clear that many Romanians are not impressed. This is a country already facing a strong populist backlash against an elite ruling class that is widely seen as corrupt and out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people who feel treated as second-class citizens – a mere source of cheap labour - within the European Union. So, the sight of the Tates appearing to receive special treatment plays into the notion that Romania's institutions are hollow and cater only to those with money.

Getty Images The brothers were released from house arrest by a Romanian court in January

"For me, what has happened is unacceptable. We cannot allow Romania's image to be tarnished by impunity and defiance," fumed Elena Lasconi, a prominent presidential candidate here, expressing deep concern that Romanian prosecutors' sudden decision to relax the Tates' travel restrictions was the result of "external influence." "It's my personal perception that probably there is… pressure on the Romanian political system, as logically the prosecutor would have applied very strict rules to control (the Tates) and probably the United States would have been a place where they would be allowed to travel (due to concerns they would not be extradited if they failed to return)," said international human rights lawyer, Silvia Tabusca. It is beyond doubt that Andrew Tate's lucrative brand of assertive masculinity has earned him allies in President Trump's administration. One of his former lawyers, Paul Ingrassia, now works in the White House. Many in the so-called "manosphere" see Tate as a persecuted hero who has just been rescued from Romania's corrupt clutches. There is also a more nebulous far-right alignment between some pro-Trump and pro-Tate figures in the US, far-right and allegedly pro-Russian forces in Romania, and the Kremlin itself, which stands accused of plotting to weaken Bucharest's pro-western stance. But the picture is not clear cut.

EPA Trump denies being involved in the case

President Trump distanced himself from the brothers' case on Thursday and there are signs of a broader push-back in the US, with the governor of Florida Ron DeSantis making it clear the Tates are "not welcome" in his state, amid plans to open a "preliminary inquiry" into allegations against them of human trafficking and violence against women. Meanwhile in Bucharest, the theory that Romania's government cut a deal with the US to release the brothers is treated with caution by some analysts. "I think the chances (of such a deal) are fifty-fifty," said Sorin Ionita, a political commentator, questioning the ability of Romania's various institutions and ministries to arrange a "coherent" policy concerning the Tates. "I'm not sure they coordinate. Did they manage to demand something in exchange (from the US)? I'm not sure," said Ionita, bemoaning a situation almost designed to persuade Romania's public to lose faith in state institutions, and speculating that lower level "satellite" figures in an equally chaotic Trump administration were probably behind any deal in order "to extract money from the Tate brothers." The BBC has seen no evidence of this. "It's very depressing to see," he added. As for the question of whether the Tates will return to Romania, as their lawyer has promised, to continue their legal battles, a degree of uncertainty endures.

Watch: Andrew Tate and brother, Tristan, arrive in US

Pilates, painting and bike rides: Gene Hackman's life in Santa Fe

19 minutes ago Share Save Samantha Granville BBC News Reporting from Sante Fe, New Mexico Share Save

Getty Images Known for his roles as gunslingers and cowboys, Gene Hackman spent his retirement in the small southwestern city of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Gene Hackman was a normal person in Santa Fe. And he really loved that. Residents in the New Mexico city say they were excited to welcome such a massive celebrity to the community when he and his wife Betsy Arakawa arrived more than 20 years ago, but they treated him like anyone else. "He wasn't famous here" was the phrase I heard when asking residents about why the movie star chose to call New Mexico's capital home. They describe a down-to-earth, chatty man who supported local businesses and enjoyed its flourishing arts scene. Everyone here has a story to tell about Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife and their dog at their home in the quiet desert city earlier this week.

'You didn't realize that you were talking to a celebrity'

Hackman was a lover of the arts and a painter himself, so he fit in well: Santa Fe is known for its iconic adobe architecture and is home to more than 250 galleries. Everything in Santa Fe is colourful, from the woven tapestry hanging on shop walls to the clothes people wear and even their personalities. There are murals in almost every alley and metal street art lining the roads. Hackman immediately got involved with local art museums, most notably sitting on the board of directors at the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, while Arakawa had a luxury home-goods store, and collaborated with artists on various projects. Hackman's paintings are displayed prominently at local restaurants, and there are a few lucky residents who have them hanging in their home. One of those people is Stuart Ashman, the executive director of the Artes de Cuba gallery.

Santa Fe is home to more than 200 art galleries

Mr Ashman first met Hackman at a community arts meeting. He was running late and there was one seat left when he arrived: next to the Hollywood star. They shook hands and that started two decades of friendship. "He was so down to earth that you didn't realize that you were talking to a celebrity. He was more interested in you than in telling you about himself," Mr Ashman said. While both men supported the arts community, their real bond came through Pilates workouts when they took back-to-back private lessons. When asked who was better, Mr Ashman laughed. "I think we're both pretty bad," he said. "Our teacher said I was lazy and he was older and stiffer."

Stuart Ashman enjoyed two decades of friendship with Gene Hackman

Mr Ashman said Hackman often got in trouble for being too much of a chatterbox. "Gene, are you going to workout or do you just want to talk to Stuart today?" Mr Ashman recalls their Pilates teacher asking. Every week, Mr Ashman, who raised chickens, would bring a dozen eggs to Hackman. Then one day, he showed up with a huge landscape painting as repayment to Mr Ashman, who didn't want to accept it. But Hackman insisted and said a painting for eggs is "a very fair deal". When Hackman wasn't at Pilates or riding his bike through the beautiful landscape, he loved to spend time at his home in the hills above the city, his friends said.

UGC Gene Hackman at a painting class in Santa Fe in the 1980s

Perched on a 12-acre plot, the property has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, with vistas stretching as far as Colorado. Hackman purchased the home in the 1980s before starting expansive renovations. He wanted this home to have meaning, so he worked with an architect to blend Pueblo, Colonial, and Spanish Baroque architectural styles to pay homage to Santa Fe's rich cultural history. Arakawa also enjoyed her secluded life in Santa Fe. People I spoke to said she was a talented pianist and smart business woman. The only person who liked working out more than Hackman was Betsy. They said she was in incredible shape, always attending exercise classes.

The view into Santa Fe from Hackman's estate

Though Hackman was an active member of the community for most of his post-Hollywood years, he became much more isolated after Covid-19 lockdowns, locals said. Those who knew him speculate his health and age made mobility too difficult to wander down the hill into town. But everyone still had a story about Hackman. James Roybal, a native of Santa Fe, once signed up for a pastel painting class in the 1980s and when he arrived Hackman was also there. They painted next to each other for a bit, making small talk. Mr Roybal couldn't believe the celebrity would want to be there. He took a picture from a ways back because he didn't think anyone would believe him. He still boasts about the image.

Victoria Murphy posing with a landscape painting

Flat owner hit with £65,000 cladding bill as block too short for funding

13 hours ago Share Save Danielle Codd Business reporter Share Save

BBC Tom says he worries constantly about how he's going to pay to make his building safe

Flat owners are being hit with huge bills for fire safety work because their blocks are not tall enough to qualify for funding announced after the Grenfell Tower fire. The previous government launched the Building Safety Act after the 2017 fire which killed 72 people. But the rules do not apply to buildings under 11m (36ft) or five storeys high. Some lawyers claim the new law was "rushed" but the government says it covers the majority of leaseholders and it will continue to review the legislation. Paramedic Tom DeRonde received a £65,000 bill because his flat is in a three-storey building and says he faces bankruptcy.

"I had to take a month off work with stress. There's not been a day when I've not thought about cladding," he told the BBC. It is estimated there are 1.3 million leasehold flats in low-rise blocks, under 11m high in England, according to the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign. Tom bought his flat in Luton in 2018 with money he had saved from serving in the army. He said when he came home to a bill for £65,000 he was "absolutely shocked". The invoice from his landlord was his legal share of the costs to make the building fireproof. "I thought it was a typo to be honest," said Tom. Then he learnt the building's height meant he was a "non-qualifying leaseholder" and would be liable to pay for fire safety work.

Tom climbed a ladder and measured his block of flats himself - it falls outside the protections of the law at 9m tall

"The government says for buildings under 11m, the risk can be mitigated by other means, like using fire alarms and sprinkler systems but in my case, that's not true," explained Tom. "I've had two fire assessments both saying the cladding is dangerous and needs to be removed, and the price, which they also said would be lower for smaller buildings, is extortionate. I can't pay," he added. After complaining to the building's owners, Tom expects the bill to be reduced but is yet to find out by how much. Tom had planned to sell the flat to buy a family home but can't. "It's ruining my life and I'm facing bankruptcy," he said. The Department for Housing told the BBC that owners of buildings under 11m should not pass on the costs of fixing historical safety defects to leaseholders. But the law does not prevent people like Tom being billed for unlimited amounts of money when the developers are no longer around or landlords cannot afford the remediation costs.

'Falling through the gaps'

Liz Ramsden is an expert in leasehold property at Knights and told the BBC she believes the Building Safety Act was drafted too quickly. "The intention was that no leaseholder would have to pay but in reality we are finding a lot of leaseholders are having to pay huge sums of money. "There was very little consultation and because of that we have these gaps in the legislation and people are falling through," she said. Even in buildings above 11m the rules fail to protect many leaseholders. Homeowners with Islamic mortgages or three or more properties also do not benefit from the full protections. This is something Martin Batty, who has an Islamic mortgage, only discovered when he put his one-bedroom flat up for sale. He said his lawyer explained the way Islamic home purchase plans are structured - to comply with Sharia law which does not allow paying interest - means he falls outside the scope of the act. "It feels really unfair. I feel like I'm being discriminated against," he said.

Martin Batty Martin Batty's Sharia mortgage on a leasehold flat means he's struggling to sell his property

"To find out that I'm a non-qualifying leaseholder just because I've got an Islamic home purchase plan is a huge kick in the teeth. It's really upsetting and is a huge let down." The government told the BBC Islamic interest free loans secured against properties were very rare. But Martin said he can't sell his flat because mortgage providers will not lend against it and solicitors won't advise on non-qualifying leases.

Suzy and Colin outside their flats in Salford

Suzy Spilling and her husband Colin invested in four rental properties to fund their retirement - including two flats in Salford "mortgaged to the hilt". These two flats are in a building where lots of the cladding has been found to be unsafe. The government will fund the removal but because the couple have more than three properties they too are non-qualifying leaseholders and will have to pay towards the costs of making the tower block fire-safe. "Everything we have planned for would be out the window," said Suzy. "How were we going to raise the funds needed? We could be on the hook for £100,000 for each of our two apartments." It is estimated there are 385,000 flats in England owned by non-qualifying leaseholders like Suzy and Colin, according to the End Our Cladding Scandal. The couple have gone back to work to save money "but there's no way we're going to be able to cover the amount we're going to have to pay," she added. "Our lives are on hold. We don't know when it's ever going to end."

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