JJB Sports son cleared over ‘forged bank statement’

THE West Yorkshire-based son of the former executive chairman of the now-defunct JJB Sports chain has been cleared of helping his father to use a forged bank statement.
Stuart Jones arriving at Leeds Crown Court. Picture: Ross Parry AgencyStuart Jones arriving at Leeds Crown Court. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
Stuart Jones arriving at Leeds Crown Court. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

Stuart Jones, 40, of Bingley, had been on trial at Leeds Crown Court charged with aiding and abetting Sir David Jones in his use of a false instrument.

Mr Jones, who was the former head of marketing of JJB Sports, was found not guilty on Wednesday of one count of aiding and abetting the use of a false instrument, contrary to Section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

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The jury was told at the start of the trial that Sir David, who has Parkinson’s, would not face trial due to his ill-health.

Sir David Jones with son Stuart. Picture: Ross Parry AgencySir David Jones with son Stuart. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
Sir David Jones with son Stuart. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

On Wednesday, the SFO said that Mr Jones gave evidence in the trial that he did not know the bank statement in question was a forgery but suggested that his father, amongst others, could have been responsible.

The case against his father involved loans he received while “heavily in debt” of £1.5 million each from Mike Ashley, owner of the Sports Direct chain, and Dave Whelan, the original founder of JJB Sports and owner of DW Sports.