A pub owner who committed multi-million pound fraud offences involving top racehorse trainers has been jailed for three years.

Michael Baker, of Pilgrims Way, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone was given six concurrent sentences after admitting fraudulent trading, obtaining services by deception and four counts of fraud by false representation.

The 28 year will serve at least 18 months of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Baker convinced trainer Henry Cecil and bloodstock agent Charles Gordon-Watson to purchase thoroughbred horses, one of which was bought for more than £7 million on his behalf.

He claimed he had £10million to spend on horses.

Baker also took over the lease of the White Horse pub in Sandway, near Maidstone and borrowed money to pay the rent. He also used a local builder to carry out a full refurbishmen - but never paid for it.

He was given six concurrent sentences after admitting fraudulent trading, obtaining services by deception and four counts of fraud by false representation.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he was suffering from a personality disorder when he was carrying out the crimes.

The judge also accepted that Baker motivation was not for financial gain but rather to be liked. His counsel Sandesh Singh said he was motivated by "a desire to be valued, liked and wanted".

See Friday's Kent Messenger for the full story.