Neil Bates jailed for fraud

Neil Bates (9/1/58), from Heywood, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud and has been jailed for 12 months at a hearing on 27 January.

The lorry driver, of Atholl Drive, Heywood, allowed his personal bank account to be used as part of a global shares scam after he claimed he was approached by two men whilst holidaying in Spain.

Bates claimed that the men approached him stating they were bankrupt and asked if they could use his bank account.

A fraudulent brokering company had been set up and would send emails to potential customers advertising the sale of shares in companies with ‘competitive prices.’

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard how victims of the scam were duped into losing a total of £440,000.

Those involved with the scam would liaise via telephone with a number of bank accounts being set up which customers would pay money into for their shares.

It is understood that money would be paid in to the accounts but no shares would be sent out. Bates account was one of many used with up to £86,000 going through it.

The court also heard how Bates had arranged to meet a man on a motorway roundabout to deliver cash from the account.

The charges Bates pleaded guilty to relate to a six week period between 5 February 2012 and 24 March 2012.

Bates faces a further court hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act.