Exchange Chambers

Acquittal secured in Europe’s biggest ever pharmaceutical drugs scam case

Barristers Gordon Cole QC and Nick Johnson from Exchange Chambers have successfully represented a businessman cleared of all charges after being accused of playing a role in the biggest drugs scam of its kind in Europe.

Pharmaceutical wholesaler Richard Kemp, 61 was found not guilty on all counts at Croydon Crown Court.

Mr Kemp was one of a group of five men accused of plotting to flood the UK market with fake Chinese-manufactured medicines in a multi-million pound scam.

One of the defendants – accountant Peter Gillespie, 64, of Carey Close, Windsor, Berkshire – has been jailed for eight years.

The other four men, including Mr Kemp, were all acquitted of any wrongdoing.

Gordon Cole QC and Nick Johnson were instructed by Eric Williams, partner at Cobleys Solicitors.

Said Eric Williams:

“This was a an excellent result for our client and we were pleased to play the leading defence role.

“Gordon Cole QC and Nick Johnson at Exchange Chambers were excellent throughout.  It was a team effort.”

After his acquittal Mr Kemp said:

"I would like to thank my legal team at Cobleys Solicitors and my counsel Gordon Cole QC and Nick Johnson, who have been excellent and supportive throughout."

The other three men acquitted were Peter Gillespie’s accountant brother Ian Gillespie, 58, of The Green, Marsh Baldon, Oxford; salesman Ian Harding, 58, of Lower Westwood, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire and pharmaceutical wholesaler James Quinn, 69, of Gillespie House, Holloway Drive, Virginia Water, Surrey.