Clamper jailed for defrauding motorists

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AN EVESHAM man who was part of a clamping company which received hundreds of complaints from motorists has been jailed.

Simon Barry from Lilac Close was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Worcester Crown Court today (Tuesday).

The 37-year-old, who worked as a clamper for Midland Parking Contracts, pleaded guilty of conspiracy to defraud between January 2006 and September 2009.

West Mercia Police, Worcestershire Regulatory Services' trading standards team and the Security Industry Authority launched an investigation following around 200 complaints from drivers.

The company's owner Andrew Minshull from Redditch was jailed for 32 months, his former partner Debbie Worton, also from Redditch was locked up for a year and Christopher Cartwright, from Kidderminster, and Faisal Qadeer from Redditch were both sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Another of the accused, Lloyd Isherwood of Birmingham, had his sentencing adjourned to a later date as pre-sentence reports were not ready.

Investigations revealed the company netted hundreds of thousands of pounds after 1,500 vehicles were clamped or removed across the Midlands.

People who complained about the firm's tactics were sometimes offered refunds, but in most cases did not get their money back.

Det Sgt Mark Roberts of West Mercia Police said: "Wheel clamping is legitimate but there are rules which need to be followed.

"Of course all drivers are going to be unhappy about having their vehicles clamped or towed, and the police do receive regular calls from angry and distressed motorists about it.

"However, the barrage of complaints we were receiving about MPC prompted us to launch an investigation, and it showed the company and its employees were effectively demanding money with menaces.

"Warning signs were placed high on walls, and often difficult or impossible to see, especially in the dark.

"The motorists also said they felt intimidated and threatened by the clampers due to their physical stature and aggressive manner.

"The clampers caused a great deal of distress to the motorists they targeted, many who were the most vulnerable members of our society, including the elderly and disabled.

"We hope other clamping companies will take note that the police are willing to pursue criminal prosecutions."

Trading Standards Senior Practitioner Peter Holmes said: "It was obvious that these clampers only had one motive and that was to make as much money as possible from victims.

"The volume of complaints we received about MCP was unprecedented and that led us to believe that serious criminal offences were being committed.

"I am pleased that the work we undertook and the evidence we collected assisted the police in their investigation and brought the offenders before the courts. The victims will now see some justice."

MPC is no longer operating.