Literary agent accused of stealing from clients

By scockroft

A NORTH Devon literary agent has been accused of stealing more than half a million pounds from budding authors.

Robin Nicholas Price, 51, of Rook Farm Road, Yelland, Barnstaple, appeared before North Devon magistrates last week.

He faces six theft charges dating between 1999 and 2008.

Price was the contributing editor of a Yelland-based publishing company.

The prosecution alleges that Price encouraged authors to pay exaggerated literary fees and invest in non-existent film deals.

Among those he is alleged to have conned is the founder of the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies Cecil Humphery-Smith OBE.

Prosecutor David Burgess told magistrates that Price would have to be tried before a judge and jury, explaining: "This is a highly serious theft case in excess of half a million pounds and its severity means it can only be tried at crown court."

Price is accused of stealing sums ranging from £646 to £293,000 from six different people.

He is alleged to have stolen:

● £293,603 from Cecil Humphery-Smith OBE between July 1, 2001 and July 31, 2007.

● £99,335 from Judith Day between November 28, 2001 and January 30, 2008.

● £120,000 from Dr Bryan Walton between January 1, 1999 and October 31, 2006.

● £14,250 from Chris Bailey between March 28, 2001 and September 30, 2004.

● £4,200 from Michael William Hawkes between May 29, 2004 and September 22, 2006.

● £646 from Evelyn Joyce Jolley, between January 17 and January 31, 2005.

Price pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

Dressed in jeans and a dark jacket, he spoke only to confirm his name and deny his guilt as the charges were read to him.

Price will next appear before North Devon magistrates on February 18 for committal proceedings, when a date will be set for his crown court trial.

He was released on bail on condition that he lives and sleeps at his Yelland home and does not contact Phillip Vincent or Sally Vincent.