A Selby businessman has been jailed for three months for dishonestly receiving stolen computer equipment.

Karl Wayne Ritchards, 32, of Woodville Terrace, Selby, denied the offence, but was convicted at Selby Magistrates Court at an earlier trial hearing.

He was charged after a computer scanner belonging to Selby's Alcohol Advisory Service, a laptop computer belonging to Selby District Council, and a computer tower belonging to Design Interiors, were found at his home.

Steve Ovenden, prosecuting, said that Ritchards, who owns a mobile phone shop in Selby, gave explanations to the police that could not have been true.

The defendant claimed that he had purchased the items from a car-boot sale, in Leeds, before June 2002.

But Mr Ovenden said the items had been stolen in a number of burglaries around Selby in October and November last year.

Keith Haggerty, mitigating, said his client's reputation was now in ruins, and that his business might fold if he was sent to prison.

He said Ritchards had led an "industrious life", working hard in employment and later opening his own business in Selby.

Presiding magistrate, Ron Southby, said Ritchards had not appeared to show any remorse.

Mr Southby said he thought that the defendant's business should be able to survive while he was in custody.

Ritchards was also ordered to pay £323 costs.

Updated: 13:16 Friday, July 18, 2003