Latest news with #RachelWilson
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Mum sobs 'I'm sorry' as £200k swindle exposed after she goes on holiday
Rachel Wilson was jailed after stealing over £200,000 from her employer to fund her husband's drug addiction. A sobbing mum-of-two said 'I'm sorry' to her children in court as she was jailed for stealing more than £200,000 from her employer over four years to fund her husband's drug addiction. Rachel Wilson, 43, from Southport, was sentenced to two years and two months behind bars after admitting fraud by abuse of position. The court heard how the trusted head cashier at Liverpool Legal Services Ltd began siphoning off money during the height of the pandemic. Wilson, who had worked at the firm for over a decade, carried out a sophisticated swindle—funnelling thousands into her personal bank accounts disguised as payments to fake consultants and forging cheques for office expenses like postage and furniture, reports the Mirror. The fraud unravelled when a colleague spotted irregularities while Wilson was on holiday in August last year. In total, she stole over £209,000 between April 2020 and August 2023. Liverpool Crown Court was told Wilson used the stolen money to support her husband's spiralling drug habit, insisting she saw 'no way out' at the time. She confessed during a disciplinary meeting in September 2024 and later repeated her admissions to police. She had no prior convictions. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. In court, Wilson wept as she looked towards her father and adult son in the public gallery, repeatedly saying: 'I'm sorry.' Her son replied, 'Don't be sorry. Love you, Mum,' while her father blew her a kiss as she was led to the cells. Her defence solicitor, Lloyd Morgan, said Wilson was deeply remorseful and described her as a woman under extreme pressure, with no financial gain or lavish lifestyle to show for the theft. 'She felt trapped,' he said. 'There are no assets. This was not your typical fraud case. She's now receiving treatment for anxiety and depression and is engaging in therapy.' Sentencing, Recorder Mark Ainsworth said: 'You were in a trusted position for many years. This was a sustained abuse of trust, and the impact on the company has been significant. But I also acknowledge your early admissions and personal circumstances.'
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Mother-of-two who stole more than £200,000 from her employer to fund her husband's drug habit is jailed
A mother-of-two who stole over £200,000 from a prestigious Liverpool law firm in a desperate attempt to fund her husband's drug addiction wept in the dock as she was jailed this week. Rachel Wilson, 43, betrayed the trust of her long-time employers during a four-year fraud campaign and was only caught out when she took a holiday and a colleague uncovered her lies. The disgraced head cashier, who had worked at Liverpool Legal Services Ltd (formerly Rex Makin and Co) for 16 years, wiped away tears as she was sentenced to two years and two months in prison on Wednesday at Liverpool Crown Court. Wearing a black hoodie over a floral dress, glasses perched on her nose and her long blonde hair draped over her shoulders, Wilson cried out 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' to her family in the public gallery as she was led away. Her father blew her a kiss in return, while her son reassured her with the words: 'Don't be sorry. Love you mum.' The court heard that Wilson from Southport, began siphoning off funds as early as April 2020, orchestrating 89 bogus payments worth more than £13,500 to bank and savings accounts in her own name, disguised as payments to 'external consultants'. Prosecutor Joanne Maxwell explained that she had also fabricated and cashed cheques totalling a staggering £196,000, under the pretence of paying for office necessities like postage and furniture. Her deceit unravelled in August 2024 when a colleague covering for her during annual leave spotted financial discrepancies, prompting an internal investigation. Wilson, a mother to a teenage daughter and adult son, confessed during a disciplinary hearing the following month. She made full admissions again when interviewed by police, stating she had acted out of desperation to support her husband's drug dependency. Lloyd Morgan, defending, said: 'This is a 43-year-old woman who has not been in trouble before and faces a very serious situation. 'It is one that she is extremely remorseful about. She is ashamed of her behaviour and acting so fraudulently for such a long time in a trusted position.' He continued: 'I will not go into the behaviour to which she was subjected. She made nothing out of this fraud. There was no lavish lifestyle. There are no assets of any sort. She is working again now. It was done to fund her husband's drug addiction, without going into any further detail.' The court also heard how Wilson had taken steps to turn her life around, voluntarily undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy and receiving treatment for anxiety and depression. Mr Morgan added: 'She felt that she had no choice and made a terrible decision and a bad decision. She felt that she did not have any other way out. 'She has a daughter living at the house. There will be a significant effect on her, were she to be deprived of her mother's presence in that house.' Recorder Mark Ainsworth acknowledged the difficult circumstances Wilson faced but stressed that the breach of trust and scale of the fraud meant custody was inevitable. He told her: 'For the vast majority of your adult life, you have been working for the firm that became Liverpool Legal Services Ltd, a well-known firm of solicitors operating here in Liverpool. You were operating as their head cashier.' 'When you were confronted by the firm, you admitted what you had done. You have not tried to prevaricate or avoid blame since these matters came to light, and I bear that in mind.' 'It is clear that you were taking this money not for high living or anything of that nature. You were faced with a difficult situation and sought to deal with it in this dishonest way.' He added: 'Any business that loses £200,000, or thereabouts, is going to suffer. There is also the impact on others who are perfectly innocent. I have in mind both of your children but particularly your daughter, who is 14 years of age and who will be impacted by what may happen in this case.' Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position.
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
James Hardie Industries plc Announces Successful Closing of Offering of Senior Secured Notes
SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) ('James Hardie' or the 'Company') announced today the successful closing of its previously announced private offering of $700,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2031 (the '2031 Notes') and $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2032 (the '2032 Notes,' and together with the 2031 Notes, the 'Notes') of its wholly-owned subsidiary, JH North America Holdings Inc. (the 'Issuer'). The 2031 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and the 2032 Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per annum. James Hardie currently intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with borrowings under its credit facilities and cash on hand, to finance the aggregate cash consideration in the proposed acquisition of the AZEK Company Inc. ('AZEK'), to repay and terminate AZEK's existing credit facility and to pay related transaction fees and expenses. The proceeds of the Notes were placed into escrow pending consummation of the proposed AZEK merger. If the merger is not consummated, the Issuer will be required to repay the aggregate principal amount of the Notes in full, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The offering was multiple times oversubscribed, and the Notes were rated investment grade by more than one rating agency. 'We are pleased with the strong show of interest that this offering received from a broad range of investors and appreciate their support. The investment grade rating and significant oversubscription on the Notes underscores the confidence in our value proposition and conviction in our future,' said Rachel Wilson, James Hardie's Chief Financial Officer. Discussing the Company's broader post-offering debt portfolio, Ms. Wilson stated that 'between the syndication of our credit facility and the closing of this notes offering, we have established permanent financing in anticipation of the acquisition closing. With a current blended cost of capital at 5.7%, an average tenor of approximately 5 years, and a fixed to floating ratio of 70%, we have what we believe to be a well-balanced and flexible debt portfolio enabling prepayment and appropriate management of price, tenor, and rate.' The Notes and the related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'), or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. As a result, they may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Accordingly, the Notes and the related guarantees were offered only to persons reasonably believed to be 'qualified institutional buyers' in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act or, outside the United States, to persons other than 'U.S. persons' in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. You are hereby notified that sellers of the Notes and the related guarantees are relying on the exemption from the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A. This communication is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Forward Looking Statements Statements in this communication that are not historical facts are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements about: the proposed Acquisition, including estimated synergies, and the expected timing of completion of the Acquisition; the use of proceeds from the Notes offering and borrowings under the Company's existing credit facilities, and any other financing transactions related to the Acquisition; the Company's future performance or expectations; and the Company's plans, objectives or goals. Words such as 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'plan,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'target,' 'estimate,' 'project,' 'predict,' 'trend,' 'forecast,' 'guideline,' 'aim,' 'objective,' 'will,' 'should,' 'could,' 'likely,' 'continue,' 'may,' 'objective,' 'outlook' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements of James Hardie and AZEK, respectively, are based on the current expectations, estimates and assumptions of James Hardie and AZEK, respectively, and, because forward-looking statements address future results, events and conditions, they, by their very nature, involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond the control of James Hardie or AZEK. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results, performance or other achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed, projected or implied by forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties relating to the Acquisition, including, but not limited to, the possibility that required approvals of the Acquisition by AZEK's stockholders and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the possible occurrence of events that may give rise to a right of either or both of James Hardie and AZEK to terminate the merger agreement providing for the Acquisition; possible negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the Acquisition on the market price of James Hardie's and/or AZEK's shares and/or on their respective businesses, financial conditions, results of operations and financial performance; the impact of the additional indebtedness the Company would incur in connection with the Acquisition; risks relating to the value of the James Hardie shares to be issued in the Acquisition and the contemplated listing arrangements for James Hardie shares and depositary interests following the Acquisition; risks relating to significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities; the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits from the Acquisition cannot be realized in full or at all or may take longer to realize than expected; risks associated with contracts containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by the Acquisition; risks associated with Acquisition-related litigation; the possibility that costs or difficulties related to the integration of James Hardie's and AZEK's businesses will be greater than expected; the risk that the Acquisition and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the parties' relationships with its and their employees and other business partners, including suppliers and customers; the potential for the Acquisition to divert the time and attention of management from ongoing business operations; the potential for contractual restrictions under the merger agreement providing for the Acquisition to adversely affect the parties' ability to pursue other business opportunities or strategic transactions; the risk of other Acquisition related disruptions to the businesses, including business plans and operations, of James Hardie and AZEK; and the possibility that, as a result of the Acquisition or otherwise, James Hardie could lose its foreign private issuer status and be required to bear the costs and expenses related to full compliance with rules and regulations that apply to U.S. domestic issuers. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition will in fact be consummated in the manner described or at all. These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause James Hardie's, AZEK's or the combined company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, could also harm James Hardie's, AZEK's or the combined company's results.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'100 deadliest days' begins for teen drivers. What to know in Florida
The "100 deadliest days" has begun. That's the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day AAA describes as the time when crashes involving teen drivers spike. During that time, on average, eight people lose their lives every day in a teen-related crash, AAA said in a news release. There are 456,754 teen drivers on the road in Florida, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. As of May 5, 2024, 205,000 Florida teens between the ages of 15-19 were driving with a learner's license. Here's what you should know, as both a parent and a teen driver. "The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers — a period when crashes involving teen drivers spike, leading to tragic consequences," AAA said. AAA's review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed there is a 30% increase in deadly crashes involving teen drivers during summer compared to the rest of the year. On average, eight people lose their lives every day in a teen-related crash between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "During the summer, teen drivers are on the road more often, usually with friends, which increases the risk of distraction and dangerous driving habits," said Rachel Wilson, director of driver education for AAA, The Auto Club Group. "Many feel invincible behind the wheel, underestimating the dangers of speeding, distractions, and not wearing a seatbelt. But crashes hit different when they happen to you — and by then, it's too late." In 2023, here are the numbers when it comes to teen drivers, according to FLHSMV: Crashes: 19,980 Fatal crashes: 68 Fatalities: 83 Injury crashes: 2,114 Injuries: 3,084 New teen drivers, ages 16-17, are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to adults, AAA said. The biggest contributing factors include: Distraction: Nearly six out of 10 teen crashes involve some form of distraction. Teen passengers are the leading distraction, followed by cell phones and infotainment systems. Speeding: Almost 30% of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed. Driving with teen passengers: Studies show that the risk of a fatal crash increases with each additional teen passenger. Failure to wear a seatbelt: Seatbelt use significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injury or death. "Teens are inexperienced behind the wheel, and that lack of experience combined with risky behaviors is a dangerous mix," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for for AAA, The Auto Club Group. 'More teens die in car crashes during summer than any other season. Parents must take an active role in coaching their teens and reinforcing safe driving habits." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said "teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer, compared to when driving alone." "The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in one or more risky behaviors when traveling with multiple passengers increased to three times compared to when driving alone. In fact, research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car." FLHSMV suggested these tips to stay safe this summer ... and whenever you're behind the wheel: Before you drive: Always buckle up and make sure all passengers buckle up, too. Keep passengers at a minimum. Never try to fit more people in the car than you have seat belts for them to use. Maintain your car's optimum performance. Make sure your car has gas in it. Get directions before you leave. Be responsible, never drive impaired, and never ride with anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don't drive drowsy. While you drive: Obey the speed limit. Excess speed is one of the main causes of teenage crashes. Use your turn signals. Don't blast your music. You might miss hearing a siren or a horn that could warn you of possible trouble. Don't drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving. Share the road with others. Watch out for motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians. Don't leave your car in cruise control when you're driving late at night or when you're tired. Stay alert. Be aware of the weather, traffic congestion and road conditions. AAA urges parents to take proactive steps to ensure their teens are driving safely: Lead by example. Model good driving behavior by avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and always buckling up. Provide at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice. Give teens experience driving in diverse conditions— nighttime, inclement weather, highways, and busy streets. Teach defensive driving skills. Encourage teens to anticipate hazards, stay alert, and maintain a safe following distance. Create a parent-teen driving agreement. Establish clear rules about when, where, and with whom your teen can drive. Clearly outline the consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for driving safe. Here's a few things you may not know — or a reminder if you did know — about teens driving in Florida, according to the FLHSMV: Parents can rescind a minor's driver license. The parent or guardian who signs the parental consent form can rescind responsibility for their minor's driving and cancel the minor's license. If teens get six or more points on their license within 12 months, their license is restricted to 'Business Purposes Only' for one year. If teens receive six points on their driving record within a 12 month period, driving privileges are automatically restricted to Business Purposes Only for 12 months or until age 18, whichever happens first. If under 21, there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Drivers under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of .02 percent or more will have their license immediately suspended for six months. A second offense will result in a one year suspension. Refusal to submit to testing (first offense) results in a suspension of 12 months, 18 months on a second offense. If a teen receives a moving violation conviction with a Learner's License, they have one more year until they can get an Operator's License. If a teen receives a moving traffic conviction with a Learner's License, the one-year period required to hold the Learner's License will be extended for one year from the date of the conviction, or until 18 years old, whichever happens first. Teens must be in compliance with school attendance, or they will be ineligible to obtain or maintain their license. If not in compliance with school attendance, a teen's driving privilege can be suspended until proof of attendance in school for 30 consecutive days has been provided. If convicted of possession of tobacco, minors lose their license for a minimum of 30 days. If convicted for possession of tobacco or nicotine products under the age of 18, the minor's license will be suspended for 30 days or more. There are driving curfews for minors with learner's and driver licenses: Learner's license Hours: Daylight hours for first three months after license issued; until 10 p.m. after three months Special requirements: Always accompanied by a licensed driver 21+; Must hold for a minimum of 12 months or until 18th birthday, whichever comes first; Required 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night. Driver's license, age 16 Hours: Driving is only allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Notes: Unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ Driver's license, age 17 Hours: Driving is only allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Notes: Unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ In 2023, these were the most common citations issued to teen drivers in Florida: Unlawful speed Careless driving operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance operating a motor vehicle without a driver license learner license violation failure to observe stop sign failure to display driver license failure to obey traffic control device operating a motor vehicle with an obscured, defaced or no tag seat belt violation This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Crashes, fatalities peak during summer for teen drivers. Risk factors
Rhyl Journal
02-06-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Number of people injured at Liverpool's victory parade rises to 109
Four people remained in hospital on Monday, a week on from the incident which happened on Water Street, in the city centre, just after 6pm. In an update, a Merseyside Police spokesman said: 'The number of people reported to have been injured currently stands at 109.' Last week, police said 79 people had been injured. Paul Doyle, 53, has been charged in connection with the crash and appeared in court last week. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: 'This is a complex and constantly evolving investigation and we are still working through and assessing those reporting being injured and our inquiries remain ongoing. 'I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with us so far to give witness accounts or supply information or video footage. The response so far has been of great assistance in progressing the investigation. 'We have had more than 500 submissions to the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) and a team of detectives are currently working through the information provided. 'I would continue to appeal for anyone who has information and is yet to come forward to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.' Those injured and their families are being supported by specialist officers and police are being assisted in the investigation by forces in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire. Doyle, reported to be a former Royal Marine, from Croxteth, Liverpool, is charged with two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The offences relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday and is due appear for a plea hearing on August 14. Detective Superintendent Wilson said: 'As a person has now been charged in connection with this incident, I would like to remind people not to speculate or share information or footage which could in any way jeopardise the case. 'We understand that emotions are still running high, and people are seeking answers, but it is vital that we allow the matter to go through the judicial process.' Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
