A timber supplier from Sunderland has been jailed after defrauding customers across the North East.
Nicholas Burdon pleaded guilty to 14 counts of fraud after he failed to supply timber products to his customers "on a number of occasions" dating back to 2017 and 2018 while keeping the money for himself.
The 35-year-old, who also admitted to a charge of obstructing police by giving a false name, was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Durham Crown Court on Thursday.
Detective Constable Ali Blackett, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Burdon failed to supply timber products on a number of occasions instead keeping the money for himself, resulting in distress and financial hardship for his victims.
“Hopefully this sentence will give him time to reflect on his actions.”
