Published at 13:15, Sunday, 19 August 2012

A MAN who became the “front” for an internet con offering car parts for sale has been given a suspended sentence.

Eighteen such transactions brought in just more than £14,000 from would-be customers.

Preston Crown Court heard how the money was paid into a Barrow man’s account, but none of the people concerned received any goods.

David Crawford, 46, of Derwent Bank, Walney, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing criminal property.

A judge gave him 51 weeks’ prison, suspended for two years, with an order to carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work and pay £4,200 compensation.

The court heard there was a company named Lakeside Breakers on the internet, also trading as Engine Outlet, with an address at the Walney Road Industrial Estate.

Miss Hannah Wood, prosecuting, said that between May 23 and June 2 last year 18 transactions were made, which brought in £14,200.

However, none of the customers received goods in return. The police became involved when contacted by a customer.

It turned out all 18 transactions had been processed using a chip and pin terminal provided by a company to the defendant.

Miss Wood told the court: “When the business address was checked, the building was empty, but mail had been delivered there, much of that in the defendant’s name.

Money had been paid into Crawford’s account, a total of £13,975.

Crawford told police the car parts business had not got off the ground.

He spoke of having lost the terminal, not long after receiving it.

He said he was aware of someone he refused to name putting money into his bank account. He claimed to have spent all the money on “girls, the Champions League final, restaurants and casinos”.

The prosecution submitted Crawford was an integral part of the operation and it seemed others were also involved.

Defence barrister Mr Andrew Evans said: “He has been set up as the front and as the fall guy. The driving force behind it were two gentlemen known to the police, who were not caught.

“He turned a blind eye. He was naive. He took around £4,500 for his role.”

He said Crawford would be able to compensate the victims.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk