Classic car man in the dock over £21k fraud claim
BUSINESSMAN DENIES FOUR FRAUD CHARGES
A CLASSIC car restorer has appeared in court accused of a £21,000-fraud involving customers.
Alan Macintyre, of Macintyre’s of Gosforth Classic Cars, which had premises in Wylam, Northumberland, is alleged to have ripped-off customers between 2012 and 2015.
The 57-year-old was in the dock at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court where he denied four charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard the alleged amount involved in the fraud was £21,000.
Sue Baker, prosecuting, said, because of the amount of money involved and the length of time the charges spanned, the case should be sent to the crown court.
She said: “This is not suitable for this court. It’s high-value frauds over a period of time when this man was running a restoration business.”
The court heard the charges related to Ford vehicles and were alleged to have been committed in Wylam.
Deputy District Judge Kevin Grego declined jurisdiction and sent Macintyre to Newcastle Crown Court.
The judge said: “The decision I have to make at this stage is, having looked at the information I have and having to accept the prosecution’s case as it is put, could I deal with it with my powers or is it above?
“I’m afraid this is a case where the starting point for sentence, should you be convicted, is above here.
“I will send this case to the crown court. “
Macintyre, who spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on April 18.