A Crewe businessman has been sentenced after a series of fraudulent activities involving his campervan conversion company, Innervan Conversions. Steven Astbury, 51, of Drayton Crescent, admitted to three counts of fraud by false representation at Crewe Magistrates’ Court following an investigation into offences committed in 2019.
The court heard how Astbury targeted both private customers and industry suppliers. In one instance, a customer paid £7,590 for parts and labor on a Volkswagen Crafter conversion that was never completed. A second victim, seeking a conversion for a Volkswagen Transporter, lost £7,000 under similar false pretences.
Financial impact on local victims and suppliers
Beyond individual van owners, Astbury also defrauded a specialist campervan bed supplier. He falsely claimed a debt had been settled to obtain equipment valued at over £1,000. The cumulative financial damage led the court to impose a significant compensation order to recover the lost funds for those affected.
| Victim / Entity | Financial Loss | Details |
|---|---|---|
| VW Crafter Owner | £7,590 | Parts and labor never provided |
| VW Transporter Owner | £7,000 | False representations on conversion |
| Equipment Supplier | £1,020+ | Unpaid specialist campervan beds |
| Total Court Order | £15,610 | Total compensation to be repaid |
Court ruling and sentencing terms
District judges handed Astbury a 12-month community order, which includes 120 hours of unpaid work. The primary focus of the sentencing was the restitution of the £15,610 in compensation to the three primary victims.
Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, noted that the deliberate nature of the conduct caused significant financial hardship. The prosecution was brought forward as part of a wider effort by local Trading Standards to protect the integrity of the regional automotive trade sector.
Reporting suspicious trade activity in Cheshire
Residents who suspect a trader is operating dishonestly are encouraged to gather documentation and report concerns to the Citizens Advice consumer service. These reports provide the necessary evidence for Trading Standards to initiate legal proceedings against fraudulent business directors. Reports can be filed via the national helpline at 0808 223 1133.
Source: Cheshire East Council
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