Sports Club Boss Caught Forging Deaf Woman’s Signature in £24k Rip-Off
Martyn Styler, 38, landed in hot water after he faked the signature of a deaf woman on a lease agreement for IESKA Sports Club in Gosport. Styler was the director and owner at the time.
£24,000 Rent Scam Threatened Victim
The forgery put the woman at serious financial risk, as she was unknowingly made guarantor for the club’s £24,000 annual rent. Experts confirmed she had no clue what signing the agreement meant or the responsibilities involved.
Double Forgery Exposed
Styler not only forged the victim’s signature but also that of a witness on the lease. He submitted the faked paperwork on 18 June 2020. Just two days later, he confessed to the witness, claiming he did it to “save jobs”.
A forensic handwriting expert compared the documents and found clear proof the signatures were forged. Neither the woman nor the witness had signed the lease deal.
Court Appearance and Upcoming Sentence
Styler appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday 21 February. He pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation and was bailed until his sentencing hearing on 11 March.
