Two sisters who ran a £2million slimming scam have been given more time to sort out their accounts as prosecutors try to claw back some of their illicit profits.
Helen Buchan and Carol Wiseman, both from Fraserburgh, were fined £9,000 in March after it was revealed their business – which sold a “miracle” liquid to unwitting dieters – was built on lies.
The pair – directors of Secret Diet Drops Ltd – also sold common apple vinegar cider and told buyers it would help break down fat, kill cancer cells and help with arthritis.
They were due to appear in Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday to answer questions about their finances at the start of a confiscation hearing.
But Sheriff Kevin Drummond deferred the case for 12 weeks after hearing accountants were still waiting for answers about Wiseman’s situation.
Lawyer Andrew Ormiston, who represented both sisters yesterday, told the court the adjournment would allow for the necessary work to be completed.
“This is a proceeds of crime hearing,” he said.
“Discussions have been ongoing between practices, and they have instructed an accountant.
“This has been discussed with the Crown – but I have no answers with me, and I think one of the reasons for that is that answers will not be ready until the questions are asked.”
Fiscal depute David Bernard said the Crown had no opposition to the deferral.
Sheriff Drummond, a visiting sheriff to the port’s court, had initially been confused by the sister’s choice of name for their diet company.
“I assumed the ‘diet’ was some sort of court diet,” he said.
“I was going to ask if this was some sort of local practice.”
Buchan and Wiseman, who charged customers £35 for the bogus diet drop course and £6.49 for the vinegar, are now due to appear in court in October.