Royal Composer's Agent Jailed

03 November 2009

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The agent of British Queen Elizabeth's official composer has been jailed after defrauding him of £500,000.

Royal musician Sir Peter Maxwell Davies said he was "delighted" after Michael Arnold, 76, was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday (02.11.09) after taking money from his client from 1990 onwards and even said he might use the case as inspiration.

Sir Peter said: "I am delighted at the sentence. I wish I had never met Michael Arnold and I am glad he has been jailed.

Who knows? That would be the ultimate revenge

"I went through some very difficult times because of him and I am glad it is now resolved and I can move on. I may even set it all to music. Who knows? That would be the ultimate revenge."

The self-confessed gambler - who was in charge of the musician's finances for over 30 years - pleaded guilty to false accounting in September involving £522,333 - money which is said to include his royal retainer of £15,000 a year. It is said to have been used for online betting.

Arnold's solicitor, Laurence Lee, said he would be lodging an appeal against the sentence. He said the pensioner, of Barnet, north London, had already repaid the money taken from Peter.

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