Latest news with #ThomasRobinson
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Conman who scammed five-star hotels with fake tea plot jailed after web of lies
Thomas Robinson, 55, has been jailed for three and a half years after he conned top luxury hotels, shoppers and farmers with fake tea plants that he claimed were from the Scottish Highlands He claimed to have lived in the Amazon, been bitten by a deadly snake, dodged bullets on the Thailand-Burma border, and even invented the bag for life. But in reality, Thomas Robinson, 55, was nothing more than a conman in what people are dubbing the ' most British' crime of the year. Robinson, the man behind an elaborate £550,000 tea scam, has been jailed for three and a half years after duping luxury hotels, elite shoppers and even farmers with his fake Scottish brews. Trading as The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson claimed his brew was grown in the Scottish Highlands, including Perthshire and Dumfries and Galloway. But a court heard how the leaves were actually purchased from wholesalers in Oxford - and likely originated from India or Sri Lanka. Among his high-profile victims were Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel and London's Dorchester, where his so-called Highland Green, Silver Needles, and Scottish Antlers teas made it onto luxury menus. Calling himself Tam O'Braan, the convicted conman boasted of being a former bomb disposal expert, chemist, agronomist, and Army veteran. He even told one glossy magazine he'd lived in a canoe, been shot at, and bitten by a snake. At one point, he even bragged his tea was the Queen's favourite. His story was so convincing it even fooled BBC News, which featured his "Scottish tea success" in articles and a podcast. But in court, his fantasy life was branded the "CV of a fantasist". The scam ran for five years from 2014, until suspicious tea growers began asking questions. Richard Ross, who bought 500 plants from Robinson in 2015, noticed his crops were failing. Then he spotted Robinson's brands on the Balmoral's prestigious Palm Court menu. "I heard about the Balmoral tea list and decided to have a look," Ross said. "He'd taken names of genuine plantations - but no one involved in the actual plantations had heard they were selling to The Balmoral. That's because none of them had produced any tea." By 2017, authorities including Food Standards Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council were on the case. They discovered Robinson had no food processing licence - and no local tea, either. He didn't just target posh hotels. Robinson also duped would-be tea growers, flogging them plants he claimed were "specially engineered" to thrive in Scotland's chilly climate. They were actually imported from Italy. He defrauded a dozen genuine tea growers in Scotland and one from Jersey by supplying them with 22,000 plants at £12.50 each. In reality, the plants cost £2. Many of the plants died or failed to thrive while Robinson made almost £275,000 from the sales, the BBC reports. In court, Robinson claimed he'd developed a "special biodegradable polymer" to make tea grow faster. Prosecutors said it looked just like a black bin liner. Lead investigator Stuart Wilson, from FSS, said: "He'd created such a story that people were taken along. Once we started digging into it, it was quite clear that not only could the quantity of tea not be grown, but the plants he sold couldn't have been grown either in the quantities claimed." He added: "There were a lot of false claims. He built his lies on top of lies." Sentencing at Stirling Sheriff Court was delayed after Robinson's lawyer quit. He represented himself in court, apologising and blaming "hubris and arrogance" for his actions. But Sheriff Keith O'Mahony said the scam was "not victimless" and involved "significant and persistent planning". The Balmoral Hotel, duped into selling Robinson's bogus blends, said it was left "shocked and devastated" by the scandal. General manager Andrew McPherson said: "We work hard to support local Scottish food producers... To have been deceived in such a calculated manner left us all profoundly disappointed and embarrassed." He added: "As general manager, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to everyone affected by this tea incident, particularly our loyal guests, who trusted in the authenticity and quality of our offerings."
Telegraph
26-06-2025
- Telegraph
Tea fraudster claimed he'd invented the ‘Bag for Life'
A fraudster who conned luxury businesses into buying tea he claimed was grown in Scotland lied that he invented the 'bag for life'. Thomas Robinson made more than £550,000 by tricking customers such as Fortnum & Mason and Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel into buying 'Scottish-grown tea' that was actually from abroad. He also conned aspiring tea growers by selling them plants he claimed had been 'specially engineered' to grow in Scotland's climate – but in reality they had been bought in from Italy. The 55-year-old, who was known to his many customers as Tam O'Braan, spun an elaborate back story claiming among other things that he was a former bomb-disposal expert, had lived in the Amazon and sold tea to customers including Kensington Palace. He also lied about inventing the ' bag for life ', a recycling initiative pioneered by Waitrose in the late 1990s. 'Hubris and arrogance' Robinson, a father-of-four, of Dalreoch Farm, Amulree, Perthshire, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail at Stirling sheriff court via video link with Low Moss Prison, where Robinson is being held. He denied defrauding tea growers, hotels and tea companies between 2014 and 2019, claiming that paperwork he could have used in his defence had been destroyed in a flood and his electronic records wiped. Robinson added: 'I've time to wrestle with this over sleepless nights in my cell. Hubris and arrogance led me to believe I did my best. 'I hope my actions have not detracted from the truthful success that can be achieved for people who want to grow tea in Scotland.' The court heard that Robinson ordered tea plants from a nursery in Sussex called 'Plants4Presents' and planted them in the kitchen garden of a rented former sheep farm near Loch Tay. Robinson claimed to have found a way to make his tea flourish in Scotland using a 'special biodegradable polymer', which prosecutors said resembled black bin liner. He said he had given a presentation on his methods to the Royal Horticultural Society, and began supplying Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel with what he described as authentically Scottish single-estate tea. The tea menu at the Balmoral's Palm Court, based on his descriptions, boasted: 'Our Scottish grown teas come from gardens in our farming heartlands in Perthshire and Dumfries and Galloway.' They had names such as 'Dalreoch White', 'Silver Needles', 'Scottish Antlers Tea', and 'Highland Green'. 'Not a victimless crime' Robinson secured deals to supply single-estate Scottish-grown tea products from his own plants and other tea gardens but in reality he bought over a ton of tea grown abroad that was repackaged and sold on. The court heard a kilo of African tea could be sold for 100 times its cost if passed as grown in Scotland. The scam began to unravel early in 2017 when Perth and Kinross council checked on whether he had a food processing licence and Food Standards Scotland launched an investigation. Robinson was told by Keith O'Mahony, the sheriff, that he had carried out a fraud using 'significant, determined and sometimes complex planning'. Imposing the jail sentence, Mr O'Mahony said he wanted to emphasise that Robinson's crimes were 'not victimless'. He said: 'Witness after witness gave evidence that they would not have transacted with [Robinson] had they known the true position regarding the providence of the plants and the tea leaves. 'Numerous individuals keen to develop a possible tea-growing occupation were persuaded by him on the basis of false pretences to hand over significant sums of money. For all these reasons the only appropriate disposal is a custodial one.'
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The fraudster who sold fake Scottish tea to luxury firms, including Balmoral Hotel, in £550k swindle
Thomas Robinson has been jailed for three-and-a-half years over the swindle based on 'unique' Scottish tea. Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A fraudster who conned luxury businesses into buying tea he claimed was grown in Scotland, making more than £550,000, has been jailed for three-and-a-half years. Thomas Robinson, 55, claimed to have cultivated the tea at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques, but in reality it was bought from wholesalers and grown outside of Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tea being poured into a teapot. Picture: Getty Images | Getty Images Operating under the business name The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson fraudulently sold the tea to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector between January 2014 and February 2019. Representatives of the Balmoral Hotel, the Dorchester Hotel and a company acting on behalf of Fortnum & Mason were among those tricked by the fraudster, who had claimed to have sold tea to customers including Kensington Palace. A Food Standards Scotland (FSS) investigation found Robinson also misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On May 25, he was found guilty of two counts of fraud to a value of almost £553,000 after a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, which followed an investigation by FSS. Robinson, also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, tried to bolster his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. On Wednesday, Robinson was sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court. Hours earlier, his lawyer withdrew from the case. Robinson's defence Representing himself, Robinson begged for 'compassion' as he appeared by videolink from HMP Low Moss, wearing a green sweatshirt. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sheriff Keith O'Mahony refused a bid to defer sentence and said it was in the public interest that it went ahead, as Robinson was 'articulate' enough to represent himself. Robinson, who told the court he has four children and attends church, claimed he awoke every morning in his cell plagued with guilt about the 'reputational damage' caused to genuine Scottish tea growers. An image of the alleged tea plantation. | COPFS 'I've had time to wrestle with this over sleepless nights, coming to realise how wrong and stupid I've been,' he told the court. 'The damage this has on all concerned, the stigma of misleading others … I should have been much more transparent and owned up to the situation. Hubris and arrogance made me believe I did my best. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The method by which you could grow tea in Scotland, something I was told you couldn't do … I didn't know the best, I didn't act as I should have. I go to church, I'm perfectly aware that a sin is not only to do something, but also not to do the right thing. 'The shame of that hangs over me every morning every time I wake up in my cell. Central to that guilt I'm responsible for reputational damage of those involved and reputational damage of growing tea in Scotland. 'It was a scheme I received support from the Scottish Government. I solemnly hope my actions have not detracted from the success which can be achieved for people who want to grow tea in Scotland. I can only offer my sincere apologies if my actions have besmirched that capability.' 'Too ashamed to explain' He told the court he had experienced 'suicidal emotions' due to guilt and had been 'too ashamed to explain' to his four children. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Robinson claimed he would not reoffend and had learnt from his actions, 'not only from shock of my conviction but truthful acceptance of what I have done'. He added: 'I solemnly would ask that the above is taken into consideration not as an excuse but an acceptance of the serious nature of my actions and inactions, and I throw myself on the mercy of the court for your compassion.' 'He was persistent' Sheriff O'Mahony said the jury had 'generally rejected' Robinson's evidence, and the charges spanned five years and totalled £552,988. He added: 'By any measure these convictions must be regarded as significant. Mr O'Brien demonstrated significant planning, he was persistent, he repeatedly made false statements. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These charges are not victimless, witness after witness gave evidence and said they would not have had the transaction if they had known. They were convinced on false pretences to hand over significant sums of money.' Robinson put his head in his hands as the three-and-a-half year sentence was handed down. Helen Nisbet, procurator fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: 'Individuals, businesses, and genuine Scottish tea growers suffered financial and reputational harm as a consequence of Robinson's deceit. 'But thanks to partnership working between Food Standards Scotland, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, he has been brought to account for his crimes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are committed to tackling financial crime of this kind.' Ron McNaughton, of FSS, said: 'We welcome today's sentencing as a clear signal that food fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences. 'A three-and-a-half year custodial sentence reflects the scale and impact of Mr Robinson's deception. His actions caused real financial and reputational harm to individuals, businesses and a developing sector of genuine Scottish tea producers. 'This outcome is the result of a complex and painstaking investigation involving a dedicated team at FSS and the co-operation of partner agencies and key witnesses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It demonstrates that those who set out to mislead consumers and defraud businesses will be held accountable.
Glasgow Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Fraudster who conned luxury brands into buying fake Scottish tea jailed
Thomas Robinson, 55, claimed to have cultivated the tea at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques, but in reality it was bought from wholesalers and grown outside of Scotland. Operating under the business name The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson fraudulently sold the tea to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector between January 2014 and February 2019. Representatives of the Balmoral Hotel, the Dorchester Hotel and a company acting on behalf of Fortnum & Mason were among those tricked by the fraudster, who had claimed to have sold tea to customers including Kensington Palace. A Food Standards Scotland (FSS) investigation found Robinson also misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety. On May 25, he was found guilty of two counts of fraud to a value of almost £553,000 after a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, which followed an investigation by FSS. Robinson, also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, tried to bolster his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. On Wednesday, Robinson was sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court. Hours earlier, his lawyer withdrew from the case. Representing himself, Robinson begged for 'compassion' as he appeared by videolink from HMP Low Moss, wearing a green sweatshirt. Sheriff Keith O'Mahony refused a bid to defer sentence and said it was in the public interest that it went ahead, as Robinson was 'articulate' enough to represent himself. Tea plants growing on Thomas Robinson's estate (COPFS/PA) Robinson, who told the court he has four children and attends church, claimed he awoke every morning in his cell plagued with guilt about the 'reputational damage' caused to genuine Scottish tea growers. 'I've had time to wrestle with this over sleepless nights, coming to realise how wrong and stupid I've been,' he told the court. 'The damage this has on all concerned, the stigma of misleading others… I should have been much more transparent and owned up to the situation. Hubris and arrogance made me believe I did my best. 'The method by which you could grow tea in Scotland, something I was told you couldn't do… I didn't know the best, I didn't act as I should have. I go to church, I'm perfectly aware that a sin is not only to do something, but also not to do the right thing. 'The shame of that hangs over me every morning every time I wake up in my cell. Central to that guilt I'm responsible for reputational damage of those involved and reputational damage of growing tea in Scotland. 'It was a scheme I received support from the Scottish Government. I solemnly hope my actions have not detracted from the success which can be achieved for people who want to grow tea in Scotland. I can only offer my sincere apologies if my actions have besmirched that capability.' He told the court he had experienced 'suicidal emotions' due to guilt and had been 'too ashamed to explain' to his four children. Robinson claimed he would not reoffend and had learnt from his actions, 'not only from shock of my conviction but truthful acceptance of what I have done'. He added: 'I solemnly would ask that the above is taken into consideration not as an excuse but an acceptance of the serious nature of my actions and inactions, and I throw myself on the mercy of the court for your compassion.' Sheriff O'Mahony said the jury had 'generally rejected' Robinson's evidence, and the charges spanned five years and totalled £552,988. He added: 'By any measure these convictions must be regarded as significant. Mr O'Brien demonstrated significant planning, he was persistent, he repeatedly made false statements. 'These charges are not victimless, witness after witness gave evidence and said they would not have had the transaction if they had known. They were convinced on false pretences to hand over significant sums of money.' Robinson put his head in his hands as the three-and-a-half year sentence was handed down. Helen Nisbet, procurator fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: 'Individuals, businesses, and genuine Scottish tea growers suffered financial and reputational harm as a consequence of Robinson's deceit. 'But thanks to partnership working between Food Standards Scotland, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, he has been brought to account for his crimes. 'We are committed to tackling financial crime of this kind.' Ron McNaughton, of FSS, said: 'We welcome today's sentencing as a clear signal that food fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences. 'A three-and-a-half year custodial sentence reflects the scale and impact of Mr Robinson's deception. His actions caused real financial and reputational harm to individuals, businesses and a developing sector of genuine Scottish tea producers. 'This outcome is the result of a complex and painstaking investigation involving a dedicated team at FSS and the co-operation of partner agencies and key witnesses. 'It demonstrates that those who set out to mislead consumers and defraud businesses will be held accountable. 'Food fraud undermines consumer trust and damages the integrity of Scotland's globally respected food and drink sector. We remain committed to detecting and disrupting criminal activity of this nature.'
South Wales Guardian
25-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Fraudster who conned luxury brands into buying fake Scottish tea jailed
Thomas Robinson, 55, claimed to have cultivated the tea at his Perthshire estate using innovative techniques, but in reality it was bought from wholesalers and grown outside of Scotland. Operating under the business name The Wee Tea Plantation, Robinson fraudulently sold the tea to high-profile clients in the hospitality sector between January 2014 and February 2019. Representatives of the Balmoral Hotel, the Dorchester Hotel and a company acting on behalf of Fortnum & Mason were among those tricked by the fraudster, who had claimed to have sold tea to customers including Kensington Palace. A Food Standards Scotland (FSS) investigation found Robinson also misled genuine Scottish tea growers by selling them plants under the false pretence they were a unique, locally-grown variety. On May 25, he was found guilty of two counts of fraud to a value of almost £553,000 after a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, which followed an investigation by FSS. Robinson, also known as Tam O'Braan and Thomas O'Brien, tried to bolster his credibility by fabricating academic qualifications and industry awards. On Wednesday, Robinson was sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court. Hours earlier, his lawyer withdrew from the case. Representing himself, Robinson begged for 'compassion' as he appeared by videolink from HMP Low Moss, wearing a green sweatshirt. Sheriff Keith O'Mahony refused a bid to defer sentence and said it was in the public interest that it went ahead, as Robinson was 'articulate' enough to represent himself. Robinson, who told the court he has four children and attends church, claimed he awoke every morning in his cell plagued with guilt about the 'reputational damage' caused to genuine Scottish tea growers. 'I've had time to wrestle with this over sleepless nights, coming to realise how wrong and stupid I've been,' he told the court. 'The damage this has on all concerned, the stigma of misleading others… I should have been much more transparent and owned up to the situation. Hubris and arrogance made me believe I did my best. 'The method by which you could grow tea in Scotland, something I was told you couldn't do… I didn't know the best, I didn't act as I should have. I go to church, I'm perfectly aware that a sin is not only to do something, but also not to do the right thing. 'The shame of that hangs over me every morning every time I wake up in my cell. Central to that guilt I'm responsible for reputational damage of those involved and reputational damage of growing tea in Scotland. 'It was a scheme I received support from the Scottish Government. I solemnly hope my actions have not detracted from the success which can be achieved for people who want to grow tea in Scotland. I can only offer my sincere apologies if my actions have besmirched that capability.' He told the court he had experienced 'suicidal emotions' due to guilt and had been 'too ashamed to explain' to his four children. Robinson claimed he would not reoffend and had learnt from his actions, 'not only from shock of my conviction but truthful acceptance of what I have done'. He added: 'I solemnly would ask that the above is taken into consideration not as an excuse but an acceptance of the serious nature of my actions and inactions, and I throw myself on the mercy of the court for your compassion.' Sheriff O'Mahony said the jury had 'generally rejected' Robinson's evidence, and the charges spanned five years and totalled £552,988. He added: 'By any measure these convictions must be regarded as significant. Mr O'Brien demonstrated significant planning, he was persistent, he repeatedly made false statements. 'These charges are not victimless, witness after witness gave evidence and said they would not have had the transaction if they had known. They were convinced on false pretences to hand over significant sums of money.' Robinson put his head in his hands as the three-and-a-half year sentence was handed down. Helen Nisbet, procurator fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: 'Individuals, businesses, and genuine Scottish tea growers suffered financial and reputational harm as a consequence of Robinson's deceit. 'But thanks to partnership working between Food Standards Scotland, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, he has been brought to account for his crimes. 'We are committed to tackling financial crime of this kind.' Ron McNaughton, of FSS, said: 'We welcome today's sentencing as a clear signal that food fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences. 'A three-and-a-half year custodial sentence reflects the scale and impact of Mr Robinson's deception. His actions caused real financial and reputational harm to individuals, businesses and a developing sector of genuine Scottish tea producers. 'This outcome is the result of a complex and painstaking investigation involving a dedicated team at FSS and the co-operation of partner agencies and key witnesses. 'It demonstrates that those who set out to mislead consumers and defraud businesses will be held accountable. 'Food fraud undermines consumer trust and damages the integrity of Scotland's globally respected food and drink sector. We remain committed to detecting and disrupting criminal activity of this nature.'
