Porsche dealer who sold clients' cars and kept the money for himself jailed

The owner of a Yorkshire car dealership which specialised in modifying and selling classic sports cars has been jailed for fraud.

Andrew Mearns was a director at Gmund Cars Ltd - a well-known business in Knaresborough which specialised in selling and modifying Porsches.

The 57-year-old, who now lives in Colwyn Place in Llandudno, Wales, agreed to sell cars from his clients on a commission basis.

However his customers became concerned when they discovered their cars had already been sold and they had not received any money.

North Yorkshire Police said Mearns had fraudulently sold the vehicles and then kept the money for himself.

He admitted 14 counts of fraud and was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (Aug 14).

The force said the offences related to 14 separate reports which had been submitted between October 2017 and July 2019.

An extensive investgation was launched and North Yorkshire Police said it had taken “several years” to reach an outcome in the case.

Investigator Corrina Graham-Merrett, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “Mearns lied to his customers time and time again. Thankfully, his offending was brought to a stop, and we have worked tirelessly to secure evidence against him over many years.

“The financial and emotional impact on his victims has been nothing short of devastating, and will no doubt continue for them whilst civil cases are pursued to have vehicles repatriated. It is right that he now faces the consequences for his actions.

“This case delivers a firm warning: fraud will be met with zero tolerance in our communities. We will pursue those who exploit honest trust by ensuring that we hold them to account.”