Warrington Beautician Narrowly Avoids Jail After Making Up Fake Cosmetic School Qualifications

Previously a director at Warrington-based Aspire Beauty School Ltd and Aspire Cosmetic School Ltd, Ainsley McKenzie was sentenced to a one-year custodial sentence suspended for two years after admitting two charges of falsely claiming that her semi-permanent make-up course was approved by the Federation of Holistic Therapists and the Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists.

Miss McKenzie was ordered to pay £5,599 to her victim of fraud, 200 works of unpaid work, a victim surcharge of £180 and was banned from being a company director for the next 10 years after being told by a Crown Court judge she was 'totally incapable' of running a business.

The inquiry into the business began after a customer from Bath complained to Trading Standards in April 2016 after paying £5,899 to attend a training course at the school. At Liverpool Crown Court Recorder Guy Mathieson said the company had been set up with fake accreditations and told Miss McKenzie she had missed an immediate jail sentence by a 'hair’s breadth'.