We aim to make this site as accessible as possible and therefore have provided the settings below to use if you are finding it difficult to view this website. See the SFO Accessibility Statement for more information.

Where it is appropriate to provide a Welsh translation, you can switch to Cymraeg. See the Welsh Language Commissioner website for more information.

Use the settings button in the bottom right corner of the page to access these settings again.

Change to normal text size A Change to medium text size A Change to large text size A Adjust Text Size

We would like to use Analytics Cookies on our website. 

Turn these on below if you are happy with us collecting information on how our site is used, in order for us to improve the overall experience of our website. 

All other cookies are necessary and therefore by continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to the usage of these cookies.

 See the SFO Privacy Policy for more information. 

Analytics Cookies

Individual charged with destruction of evidence

9 November, 2015 | News Releases

An individual charged in connection with an ongoing SFO bribery and corruption investigation appeared before Southwark Crown Court today.

Richard Kingston, 53, from South Wales, has been charged with two offences of concealing, destroying or otherwise disposing of documents, knowing or suspecting they are relevant to a SFO investigation, contrary to Section 2(16) of the Criminal Justice Act 1987.

The next hearing, a Plea and Case Management hearing, is scheduled to take place on 1 February 2016 at Southwark Crown Court. A trial is scheduled to begin on 12 December 2016.

Notes for editors:

  1. Mr Kingston appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ court on 26 October 2015. These charges do not relate to the SFO’s ongoing Sweett Group plc investigation.  The charges arise out of an investigation into alleged corruption relating to construction projects in Iraq.  As proceedings are now underway, the strict liability rule in the Contempt of Court Act 1981 now applies.

Related Cases