Local business fraudsters in dock

A Leeds couple who ripped off local businesses by writing fraudulent cheques have been sentenced at Bradford Crown Court after a successful DTI prosecution.

Tina Patel, 28, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and her husband Davindra, 29, received a two year community rehabilitation order after they pleaded guilty to setting up a company while bankrupt, obtaining a hire vehicle by deception and twelve other offences of obtaining property by deception. They were also banned from acting as directors for seven years.

The pair had been declared bankrupt on 24th June 2002 but set up Ironmade Distribution Limited, and acted as directors even though their bankruptcies barred them from doing this. When Tina Patel attended the Official Receiver's office she deliberately concealed that she had started a new company and was acting as a director.

Tina Patel used a stolen chequebook to make fraudulent purchases leaving local businesses out of pocket.

To act as a director of, or directly or indirectly to take part in or be concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company, except with the leave of the court, whilst an undischarged bankrupt, is an offence contrary to s11 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1985.