Businessman denies involvement in £13 million airline fraud

Allegedly claimed government would underwrite loan

An Island businessman will stand trial after denying being involved in a £13 million airline fraud.

Jason Gerard Scales, of Douglas Road in Ballasalla, entered not guilty pleas to three offences at Douglas Courthouse today (15 November).

The 28-year-old is accused of fraud by false representation between 7 May and 5 June 2021.

It’s alleged he falsely claimed the Isle of Man Government would underwrite a loan to enable Ettyl Limited to buy Stobart Air.

He also denies two offences of making or supplying articles for use in frauds on or about 7 May last year.

These charges relate to two letters allegedly signed by senior government officials – a letter of support from the chief executive of the Department for Enterprise and a guarantee and indemnity document from the then-chief secretary.

Summary jurisdiction was declined and Mr Scales will stand trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery – committal to that court will take place on 12 January.

An application to vary his bail, to allow Mr Scales to travel off-Island was refused, and he was bailed until his next court appearance on that date.