Mark Craven’s once close relationship with his cousin Chris soured dramatically, transitioning from being akin to siblings to becoming riddled with suspicion and animosity. Mark, who considered Chris his best man and closest friend, likened their bond to that of brothers but expressed dismay at the turmoil that unfolded.
Their association, which had thrived socially and professionally, took a nosedive to the point where Mark found surveillance devices installed in his vehicle, nationwide monitoring of his activities, and a private investigator tailing him and capturing moments with his family.
Starting as a driver in 2008, Mark climbed the ranks at Forrest Fresh Food Ltd, eventually acquiring shares and becoming a director in 2016. Originally from Todmorden, Yorkshire, Mark relocated to Birkdale, Southport, with his wife and children while operating from the Rochdale headquarters of Forrest Fresh.
As Mark delved deeper into supporting his friend’s fitness business, VIP HQ, and launching a new gym in Birkdale village, tensions mounted with Chris. This culminated in Chris hiring a private investigation firm, Trojan, after alleging that Mark neglected his work duties.
Trojan shadowed Mark in Southport for two months, tracking his movements and covertly placing a tracker on his car, leading to a legal battle where a judge dismissed Chris’s claims of using the tracker for insurance purposes.
Despite the investigator’s findings revealing Mark’s focus on his Rochdale work commute rather than the gym business, the rift between Mark and Chris intensified. Mark, signed off work due to stress following a heated confrontation, faced allegations of misconduct and surveillance evidence upon his scheduled return.
Mark vehemently denied the accusations, including claims of erratic work hours and excessive spending on his company credit card. The tribunal also dismissed doubts about the authenticity of his sick leave note, highlighting the distress caused by the spying and accusations.
Removed as a company director without notification and facing withheld wages during his sick leave, Mark pursued legal action against Forrest Fresh. Although initially losing a case for unlawful deductions, Mark later won on appeal and successfully claimed unfair dismissal after feeling compelled to resign.
The tribunal attributed Mark’s downfall not to himself, as alleged, but to Chris Craven, with compensation pending resolution. Mark now operates a bar and a soft play center in Birkdale as he rebuilds his life post the tumultuous fallout with his once close cousin.
The Mirror has reached out to Forrest Fresh Food Ltd for comment.