Steven Astbury, 51, of Drayton Crescent, Crewe, appeared before Crewe Magistrates’ Court following a series of fraud offences committed during his tenure as a director of Innervan Conversions. The prosecution, led by Cheshire East Council, detailed a pattern of dishonest conduct throughout 2019 that targeted both private customers and industry suppliers.
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* Astbury admitted to three counts of fraud by false representation.
* Two customers lost a combined £14,590 for incomplete van conversions.
* A specialist supplier was defrauded of equipment worth over £1,000.
* Total compensation of £15,610 was ordered by the court.
Financial losses for Volkswagen owners
The court heard specific details regarding two customers who sought bespoke conversions for their vehicles. One owner of a Volkswagen Crafter paid £7,590 for parts and labor that were never delivered. A second victim, seeking a conversion for a Volkswagen Transporter, suffered a loss of £7,000 under similar false representations.
| Case Detail | Impact/Value |
|---|---|
| VW Crafter Conversion Fraud | £7,590 loss |
| VW Transporter Conversion Fraud | £7,000 loss |
| Specialist Bed Supplier Debt | £1,000+ |
| Total Compensation Order | £15,610 |
| Community Service | 120 hours unpaid work |
| Sentence Duration | 12-month community order |
Deception of industry suppliers
Beyond individual customers, Astbury targeted the supply chain. He made false claims to a specialist campervan bed supplier, asserting that outstanding debts had been settled. This deception allowed him to dishonestly obtain equipment valued at more than £1,000, further compounding the financial damage caused by Innervan Conversions.
Astbury pleaded guilty to three offences under section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. In addition to the 120 hours of unpaid work, the 12-month community order serves as a formal penalty for the deliberate course of dishonest conduct cited by local officials.
Trading Standards enforcement in Cheshire East
Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, emphasized the council’s stance on trade deception. „This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to protecting residents and legitimate businesses. We will always take robust action where traders attempt to profit through deception,” Jefferay stated.
Anyone concerned about a trader operating dishonestly is urged to report this via the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
Source: Cheshire East Council
