Car importer is jailed for fraud

A car importer who defrauded his Norfolk customers of almost £200,000 has been jailed for 12 months.

David Grace, 48, of Fundenhall near Wymondham, ran Dacar Imports UK and took orders and deposits to import cars from abroad but failed to supply them.

He admitted offences at Norwich Crown Court, including fraudulent trading, evading liability by deception and obtaining money transfers by deception.

He was also ordered to pay £24,723 to customers or face 18 months in jail.

Judge Simon Barham, who sentenced him on Tuesday, told Grace he had three months to repay the money.

Luke Brown, prosecuting, said the total loss to creditors was £183,800.

Grace attracted customers through the Dacar website.

Richard Wood, defending, said Grace initially set up the company without the intention of defrauding anyone, but through inexperience and naivety he got himself into the situation.