The case, bought by the Department of Trade and Industry, was heard at Birmingham Crown Court on 8 November, and adjourned for sentencing until 6 December (PrintWeek, 16 October 2003).

The charges related to Humes' directorship of Midlands Publishing Holdings.

The DTI prepared the charges after an investigation into Humes' business activities that spanned several months.

Humes was a director of Midlands Publishing Holdings, Newey Print and Midlands Print among others.

Midlands Publishing Holdings and Newey Print were both wound up by the Official Receiver after being hit by winding-up petitions from disgruntled creditors in July last year.

Newey Print was also put into administrative receivership in June at the request of its factoring company, Bibby Factors.