Sponsored by
Photographer quits chamber post
A WEDDING photgrapher said to have left newlyweds waiting months for pictures of their special day has quit his post at Eastbourne's Chamber of Commerce amid an investigation and revelations he is an ex-policeman who has spent time in prison for fraud.
Robert Miller of VIP Photography last week stepped down from his role as membership secretary at the chamber, which promotes good business practice, after it was revealed he is a convicted fraudster and has come to the attention of trading standards.
Mr Miller, who has also been taken to the county court by aggrieved couples who are said to have been waiting more than a year - and in some cases two years - for photographs and albums of their special day, says he has now ceased trading as VIP Photography and has done his best to work with his unhappy customers.
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce issued a statement this week saying, "Due to the recent publicity surrounding Robert Miller's private business, VIP Photography, we are in the process of carrying out a thorough investigation into the allegations that have appeared in the press. Robert Miller has decided to resign from the chamber."
Mr Miller, an ex-policeman, has a conviction for fraud and was jailed in 1998.
Surrey Police told the Herald Mr Miller was a detective constable who, while on long term sick leave, used his access to police stations to obtain confidential information and fraudulently applied for bank accounts and credit cards in the name of a man who had been stopped for a motoring offence.
The victim noticed suspicious activity and reported the matter to police. Mr Miller was arrested on April 21 1997. He retired from Surrey Police in May, before internal disciplinary action could be considered alongside the criminal investigation.
Mr Miller appeared at Guildford Crown Court in February 1998 charged with three offences of dishonesty by false representation, with a further six offences taken into consideration by the court. He was convicted and sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, which was reduced to 12 months on appeal.
A spokesperson for the force added, "The Complaints and Discipline Department – now the Professional Standards Department – thoroughly investigated Miller's actions and secured a conviction at court."
At East Sussex County Council's trading standards, a spokesman said, "In terms of VIP Photography we are aware of the situation and are attempting to seek a resolution."
Some of the unhappy newlyweds who say they are still waiting for their wedding albums months after their big day are now hoping to work as a group to get what they say they ordered and paid for from Mr Miller.
A number of couples who married in 2008 and as far back as 2007 say they are still waiting for their photographs after booking him to take pictures on their wedding days.
In September, both the Herald and the BBC ran news items on disgruntled customers and at the time, Mr Miller promised to resolve the wedding photograph woes and told people to email him. But many couples say that while they have been sent photographs on discs, they are still waiting for special albums and are now forming a group to take action against him.
Sandra and Reg Carter paid Robert Miller 1,950 to take photos at their daughter's wedding back in August 2007 and say they have not received what they paid for.
Garath Smith tied the knot in June 2007 and paid Mr Miller around 1,500 but says he was given an incorrect album and is still waiting for the goods.
Maxine O'Dell, Paul Stephen, Julian Herniman and Chris Jameson-Groves are also among those having problems getting the albums they paid Mr Miller for up front.
Julian Herniman, who has taken Mr Miller to the small claims court, said he wanted to contact others in the same position and is asking them to call him on 01323 849979 or email him on julian_h77@yahoo.co.uk
At two county court hearings in November the judge ruled against the photographer and in favour of the couples. One couple was awarded 1,739.77 and applied for a charging order, which means they would be able to get the cash if Miller sold his house.
He lives in Church Street, Willingdon, and also works part time at Sussex Downs College.
In a statement this week Mr Miller said, "The failure of a business is not a happy event, particularly for customers or those involved in the business.
"VIP Photography has had very many happy and satisfied customers over the years, but it is now closed. I know there are some people who have been disappointed as a result of our business difficulties; that is regrettable,
"I am embarrassed by the position and I apologise to them. Part of our problem has been caused by a major supplier's non performance and eventual insolvency. All VIP's customers have or will receive their pictures on disc: no one will be without their photographs.
"I have been in touch with Trading Standards, which has confirmed I am not the subject of a formal investigation. I have left the Chamber of Commerce and have to deal with my personal bankruptcy. I repeat my apology."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
