A Llanelli businessman who conned thousands of pounds out of his customers after breaking consumer protection rules must pay £192,000 within three months or face two years behind bars.
Berian Paul Lloyd, was given the punishment at Swansea Crown Court, under the Proceeds and Crime Act 2002. It comes after he was sentenced to eight months in prison last December for a catalogue of offences relating to the sale, supply, conversion and restoration of camper vans.
The 50-year-old, of Port y Gar, Bynea, was ordered to pay £192,270 last week which includes £10,491.74 compensation to his customers for their losses. He was also told he has 12 weeks to settle the bill or go to prison. He will face further prison sentences until he pays up.
Lloyd was the owner of van conversion company Race Passion/Vdub Passion when he was taken to court in a prosecution led by Carmarthenshire County Council after dealing with complaints from several of his customers.
He admitted breaking consumer protection rules following lengthy investigations by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards team last year.
Cllr Philip Hughes, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “Paul Lloyd treated his customers very badly and our Trading Standards and legal team have worked tirelessly on their behalf to bring this man to justice. I hope the money awarded to his victims will help in some way to compensate them for the ordeal they have been through.
“This is a very clear message to any traders who are tempted to breach rules designed to protect the public from unfair behaviour and unsafe goods – we will not tolerate it and we have the capability to put a stop to your criminal activity.
