An online fraudster who "mugged by computer" small businesses across the country has been brought to justice by York-based trading standards officers.

Ashton Kevin Saunders, 27, persuaded business owners to hand over hundreds or thousands of pounds to his company Blue Tech Media by falsely claiming that they were eligible for grants to fund online advertising, Leeds Crown Court heard.

In return for their advance fees, he provided either a little poor quality website work or no work at all for them.

The Chesham fraudster was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years on condition he does the maximum number of unpaid hours' work, 300, pays £13,255 compensation to his victims and pays £8,776 prosecution costs.

He admitted conspiracy to defraud and 11 charges of fraud, all committed between July 2012 and November 2013.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member of City of York Council said: "Some unscrupulous individuals see the internet as an easy way to make a fast buck. These people should understand mugging by computer is not acceptable.

"I am very pleased that our team here in York, working with partners in North Yorkshire, are taking the lead in combating this 21st century criminal activity.”

The National Trading Standards eCrime Team, based in York, investigated Saunders after small business owners tried to get their money back from him, but were unable to track him down.