Van conversion fraudster sentenced after pocketing thousands

A Crewe businessman has been successfully prosecuted for fraud relating to a campervan conversion business.

Steven Astbury, 51, of Drayton Crescent in Crewe, was sentenced at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after admitting to a number of fraud offences committed in 2019, while he was a director of Innervan Conversions.

The court heard that between February and October 2019, Astbury defrauded two customers and a supplier in connection with work that was never carried out and goods that were never paid for.

In one case, a customer paid for parts and work on a Volkswagen Crafter campervan conversion that were never carried out, leaving them £7,590 out of pocket.

In a second case, Astbury again made false representations to a customer, who had paid for the conversion of a Volkswagen Transporter, leading to a loss of £7,000.

The court also heard how Astbury made false representations to a specialist campervan bed supplier, claiming a debt had been paid when it had not. This resulted in the dishonestly obtained supply of equipment valued at more than £1,000.

Astbury pleaded guilty to three offences of fraud by false representation, contrary to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 120 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £15,610 in compensation to the victims.

Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said:

“This was a deliberate course of dishonest conduct which caused real financial hardship and distress to customers and businesses who trusted Astbury.

“This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to protecting residents and legitimate businesses. We will always take robust action where traders attempt to profit through deception.”

Anyone concerned about a trader operating dishonestly is urged to report this via the Citizens Advice consumer service on:

0808 223 1133

...or online at: 

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/