UK 'Apprentice' contestant arrested in fraud investigation

One of Alan Sugar’s 'Apprentice' contestants in the UK is on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of fraud, it emerged today.

Mortgage broker Christopher Farrell (aged 29) was quizzed over alleged financial irregularities and released on bail pending further inquiries, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

It is understood the allegation relates to making a false representation via cheque or card.

A force spokesman said: “A 29-year-old from Plymouth was arrested on August 4 and bailed until October 27 to return to a police station in Plymouth.”

It also emerged Farrell, who will be seen on the new 'Apprentice' series next week, has a weapons conviction, which he did not disclose to TV producers.

Farrell’s 'Apprentice' profile says he claims to show no emotion, likes to be pushed and as a former Royal Marine is not afraid to give people a “kick up the backside”.

A keen golfer and health and fitness fanatic, he also claims to be “focused and driven”.

He told BBC executives: “I’ve been to the other side of things where friends lose legs, lose limbs, so I know I’m lucky to be where I am.

“I was a sniper in the Royal Marines and I take that killer instinct across into business.”

Farrell was in the dock at Plymouth Crown Court last September – just before filming for the hit TV show started – and admitted two charges of possessing an offensive weapon.

Police had found an extendable baton and a knuckleduster in his Mercedes after being called to his Plymouth home following allegations he hit his wife with the knuckleduster.

Judge Francis Gilbert rejected claims the weapons were “trinkets” from his forces days being stored in the car, giving him a two-year conditional discharge but ordering him to pay £847 (€977.26) costs. His wife did not press charges.

A check did not pick up the conviction because it was made in the month before his court appearance.

Talkback Thames, which makes 'The Apprentice' for the BBC, said: “We received a police disclosure certificate on August 16, 2009 which confirmed that Chris Farrell had no previous criminal convictions or cautions.

“However it emerged this week that Chris Farrell had subsequently received a conviction for carrying offensive weapons on September 2, 2009.

“Mr Farrell did not disclose this to Talkback Thames. Filming of the upcoming series of 'The Apprentice' commenced on September 10, 2009 and concluded prior to Christmas.

“At no point during filming were the production company aware of Mr Farrell’s conviction.

“Recently police made us aware that Mr Farrell is the subject of a fraud investigation and that he had been arrested and bailed on August 4, 2010.

“The arrest took place eight months after filming had concluded and no charges have yet been brought in this case.”

A spokesman for the BBC added: “TalkbackThames’s selection process is in line with the BBC’s policy to make appropriate checks on all contributors and contestants.

“The BBC asks for any information relevant including criminal convictions and makes a case-by-case judgment based on the information provided, the nature of the given programme and the nature of the information divulged.”