A Crewe businessman has been ordered to pay more than £15,000 in compensation after a series of fraudulent dealings involving high-end campervan conversions. Steven Astbury, 51, appearing at Crewe Magistrates’ Court, admitted to multiple counts of fraud by false representation committed during his tenure as a director of Innervan Conversions.
Compensation ordered for defrauded van owners
The prosecution followed a deliberate course of dishonest conduct throughout 2019, where Astbury targeted both private customers and industry suppliers. The court heard detailed accounts of how the 51-year-old, of Drayton Crescent, Crewe, took significant payments for work that was never started or completed.
📌 Svarbiausi akcentai
* Total Compensation: £15,610 ordered to be paid to victims.
* Sentence: 12-month community order including 120 hours of unpaid work.
* Business Entity: Innervan Conversions (now defunct).
* Primary Offence: Fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006.
Systematic deception of customers and suppliers
The financial impact on individual victims was substantial. In one instance, a customer paid £7,590 for parts and labor on a Volkswagen Crafter conversion that never materialized. A second victim lost £7,000 after being misled regarding the conversion of a Volkswagen Transporter.
Beyond private clients, Astbury also defrauded a specialist campervan bed supplier. He falsely claimed that a debt had been settled to secure equipment valued at over £1,000, which was never paid for.
| Case Detail | Impact/Loss |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Crafter Conversion | £7,590 lost by customer |
| Volkswagen Transporter Conversion | £7,000 lost by customer |
| Specialist Bed Supplier | £1,000+ in unpaid equipment |
| Legal Outcome | 3 counts of fraud admitted |
Trading Standards warning for Crewe residents
Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee highlighted that this prosecution serves as a warning to traders attempting to profit through deception. Councillor David Jefferay noted that the conduct caused real financial hardship and distress to those who trusted the local business.
Residents concerned about suspicious trading practices are encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice consumer service. The council confirmed it will continue to take robust action against individuals who undermine the integrity of the local business community in Crewe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the owner of Innervan Conversions ordered to pay compensation?
Steven Astbury, director of the now-defunct Innervan Conversions, was ordered to pay £15,610 after admitting to three counts of fraud by false representation. The court found that Astbury systematically misled customers by taking significant deposits—specifically for Volkswagen Crafter and Transporter projects—and securing supplies from vendors without any intention or ability to complete the work or settle the debts.
How can I protect myself from campervan conversion scams in the future?
To safeguard your investment, follow these three actionable steps:
1. Use Section 75 Protection: Pay at least £100 of your deposit via credit card to make the card provider jointly liable for a breach of contract.
2. Verify Credentials: Ensure the converter is a member of the National Caravan Council (NCC) or the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS).
3. Staged Payments: Never pay the full balance upfront. Agree on a payment schedule linked to verifiable build milestones and use Companies House to check if a director has a history of dissolved businesses.
What is the impact of this ruling on the Crewe business community?
This prosecution by Cheshire East Council’s Trading Standards serves as a vital deterrent against ‘cowboy’ builders and fraudulent trade practices in the region. For local residents, it reinforces that consumer rights laws like the Fraud Act 2006 are actively enforced. For local B2B suppliers, it highlights the necessity of rigorous credit checks before providing high-value equipment, such as the campervan beds involved in this case, on credit.
Where can I report a rogue trader or find official consumer advice in Cheshire?
If you suspect a business is operating dishonestly in the Crewe or Cheshire East area, you should:
* Report it: Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133.
* File a Fraud Report: Use the Action Fraud website if you have already lost money.
* Check Local Alerts: Visit the Cheshire East Council website for the latest Trading Standards warnings and a list of ‘Buy With Confidence’ approved traders.
Source: Cheshire East Council
/linkComments