Norton boss snubs pensions ombudsman

Stuart Garner, the embattled owner of stricken Norton Motorcycles, failed to show up in front of the pension’s ombudsman yesterday (Thursday), despite being called to a hearing over allegations from pension fund member that their retirement savings have disappeared.

Garner, whose firm is in administration, was supposed to answer claims brought by 30 members of three retirement funds he had set up, with names such as Dominator 2012, Donington MC Pension and Commando 2012. It is alleged that he, on more than one occasion, failed to return cash to members when it was due for payment.

Norton slipped into administration after reportedly failing to pay a £300,000 tax bill.

It also emerged yesterday that production at the firm’s Castle Donington factory has stopped.