Tomb Raider composer sentenced to jail for 'fraud' of obtaining British government Covid-19 loan

Peter Connelly, a composer and sound designer who is known for his work in the Tomb Raider series, was sentenced to jail for “fraudulently” obtaining loans from the British government.

In a statement from the UK Bankruptcy Services, Durham-based Connelly was said to have obtained a legal $29,500 (£22,000) government “bounced” loan, and then again a month later, at another bank for $50,000 (£37,500), even if the business only has one such loan, even if the business is entitled to only one loan. It was also found that Connelly “deliberately exaggerated” his company's financial position in the first few months of the 2020 pandemic, reporting a turnover of $201,500 (£150,00) in 2019, which is actually $77,900 (£58,00).

In an interview with bankruptcy service, Connery said he had the opportunity to reimagine the music of Tomb Raider’s soundtrack and describe it as “a major project that could be very profitable.” He reportedly took out his personal loan and sold his car to fund the job, but it “stagnated” at the beginning of the pandemic. By August 2021, Connelly’s company, Peter Connelly Limited, has been liquidated.

At Durham Court yesterday, July 17, the composer was sentenced to 16 months in prison and was sentenced to six years as a director of the company.

“Peter Connelly blatantly overlooked the rules of the rebound loan program, which is designed to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic,” said David Snasdell, Secretary of Unpaid Services, who is responsible for addressing the bounce-back loan misconduct.

“Connery not only got two loans when the business allowed only one loan, but deliberately exaggerated the company’s turnover to get more money than he was entitled to.”

In the original Tomb Raider Developer Core Design, Connelly worked on Adventures of Lara Croft and later became the lead composer of Tomb Raider: Tomb Raider: Chronicles. In 2003, Angel of Darkness co-created the London Symphony Orchestra with Martin Iveson.

After the core, Connery continued to work as a driver in 2011: San Francisco in Ubisoft Reflections, watch dogs,,,,, crewSouth Park: Cracked but wholeAnd most recently 2023 Dead Island 2.

Image source: YouTube / Peter Connelly.

Vikki Blake is an IGN journalist, as well as a critic, columnist and consultant with over 15 years of experience working with some of the world's largest gaming websites and publications. She is also a guardian, a Spartan, a quiet Hilan, a legend and a permanent chaos. Find her Bruceky.