A well-known Wiltshire auction house has issued an update on its future after a former director was jailed for sex crimes.

Richard Edmonds, who previously ran Richard Edmonds Auctions Limited and Chippenham Auctions, was sentenced to eight years in prison after he was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity with a female child, whose identity is protected by law.

Following sentencing, the 47-year-old’s family business updated on the future of the auction house at Showell Farm, and Edmonds’ wife Tora confirmed he had left the company.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Richard EdmondsRichard Edmonds (Image: PA)In a statement on Facebook, she wrote: “Day-to-day management has been by my husband Richard Edmonds Jnr with responsibility for valuations, cataloguing and auctioneering.

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“I have been responsible for the customer accounts, marketing, and involved with the preparation of the catalogues. Richard Jnr is no longer involved with the business nor a director.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Richard Edmonds“I now assume responsibility for the general management of the business in addition to my previous roles. Richard Snr, his wife Margaret and daughter Sarah will continue to be part of the business.”

She added: “We believe this will provide a continuing sound business structure.”

The firm changed its name on Companies House to Showell Business Park Ltd in September, after Edmonds resigned as a director, but has retained the name Richard Edmonds Auctions Limited on Facebook.