Pensioners deny running illegal pyramid scheme

A group of eleven women - over half of whom are pensioners - have denied running an illegal pyramid scheme in the first UK case to be brought under new consumer protection regulations.

The defendants, from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset, are accused of taking part in schemes known as Key to a Fortune and Give and Take, the BBC reports.

Their offences are alleged to have happened between 26 May 2008 and 29 April 2009, a hearing at Bristol Crown Court was told.

Over half of the accused are pensioners, named as Jennifer Smith-Hayes, 65, of Headley Lane, Bishopsworth, Bristol; Susan Crane, 65, of Broadleas, Bishopsworth; Mary Nash, 61, of Broadleas; Hazel Cameron, 61, of Chew Lane, Chew Stoke, Somerset; Laura Fox, 66, of Church Lane, East Harptree, Somerset; Carol Chalmers, 65, of Clevedon Road, Weston-super-Mare

Also being prosecuted are Jane Smith, 46, of Donald Close, Bishopsworth; Rhalina Yuill, 31, of Bellevue Road, St George, Bristol; Sally Phillips, 31, of Kinsale Road, Hengrove, Bristol; Ritamaria Lomas, 46, of St Nicholas Road, Whitchurch, Somerset; and Tracy Laurence, 57, of Robbins Close, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire.

They each pleaded not guilty to two charges of operating a promotional pyramid scheme contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The court heard there will be two trials, with the first likely to take place next year.

Judge Mark Horton released the women on unconditional bail.