6 September 2010 Last updated at 15:38 ET

Cornish man jailed for repeatedly selling fake business

A man from Newquay has been jailed for four years after selling a fake business over and over again.

William MacIntyre, 54, sold the business, which consisted of an electronic database which cost him £430, for up to £40,000 at a time.

He was jailed at Plymouth Crown Court after admitting three counts of fraud and three of deception, costing victims a total of £137,500.

Another 34 charges were not pursued but were ordered to be left on file.

The offences dated from 2003 to last December.

MacIntyre attempted to impress potential customers with his luxury four-bedroomed seaside home, and was described as living a tycoon lifestyle with fast cars, speedboats and exotic properties, the court heard.

Defending, Michael Hubbard QC, said Macintyre was suffering from multiple sclerosis which would make his time in prison difficult and painful.