Customers of a Cambridgeshire MoT testing centre have been advised to get their cars retested after its owner was convicted of MoT fraud.

Mark Pearson of M and P Autos in Fengate, Peterborough, was caught by surveillance staff from VOSA giving 10 vehicles MoT certificates despite nine not having been tested properly.

Three of the vehicles hadn't even moved from where their owners had parked them.

At Peterborough Crown Court last Friday Pearson, of Peterborough, was sentenced to 50 weeks' jail, suspended for 12 months.

 

He had admitted three counts of fraud by false representation at an earlier hearing.

Niall Quinn QC, prosecuting, said VOSA launched the surveillance on February 4 after receiving complaints about M and P Autos.

Defending, Matthew Radstone said Pearson had broken the law because his business was under great financial pressure.

Along with the suspended jail term, Pearson was ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay £1,000 in costs.

He has also had his MoT licence taken away.