Dodgy Doncaster dealer behind bars

An undischarged bankrupt who had been pursued by trading standards officers for more than six years has been sentenced to four years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court.

David John Thomas, also known as Andrew Richardson, had set up a computer dealership in Doncaster which defrauded customers out of #20,000. He left Input Computer Sales without trace, failing either to deliver PCs already paid for, or leaving customers with shoddy goods.

Thomas used the stolen money to fund a long holiday in Europe, North America and Asia with his girlfriend, the court was told.

On his return, Thomas set up in business again in Clay Cross in Derbyshire, changing his name to Andrew Richardson by deed poll.

This latest venture, Sterling Computer Services, was fronted by Thomas? associate and cohort Martyn Hicks. Between them, the pair conned over #53,000 out of traders across the UK.

A representative of Doncaster Trading Standards said: ?This man [Thomas] has been a source of much consumer dissatisfaction in recent years.?

Trading standards officers began their investigations into Thomas, following hundreds of complaints from customers throughout the country.

Thomas had been disqualified from being a company director and was found guilty of a number of charges relating to fraudulent trading. He and his wife were convicted of conspiracy to defraud creditors of Input Computer Sales.

Hicks admitted consipiracy to defraud creditors of Sterling Computer Services. He also admitted obtaining four valuable vehicles and stealing a fifth. He was sentenced to 39 months in prison.

Thomas? wife received a sentence of 12 months, suspended for two years.