STORY
British Masters athlete and world sprint champion Rick Beardsell has received an 18-month suspended prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining £100,000 in Covid-19 Bounce Back Loans. Beardsell, aged 46, used a significant portion of the funds to help purchase a £1.3 million home in a Cheshire village, rather than for the benefit of his sportswear manufacturing business, Sports Creative Limited.
The Insolvency Service revealed on 23 July 2025 that Beardsell secured two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans in 2020 and 2021, despite businesses being eligible for only one. He also substantially inflated his company’s turnover in the applications. The funds were transferred into his personal bank account, with £431,160 paid to solicitors for the Prestbury property. Additionally, he transferred cash to family members and made mortgage payments for a previous house, placing the money beyond the reach of creditors.
Appearing at Chester Crown Court on 22 July 2025, Beardsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £11,152. Beardsell had repaid the full £100,000 earlier this year, following his guilty plea but prior to sentencing.