A MAN has been given a jail sentence for a series of frauds, despite not turning up to court.

Paul Lawrence was handed the 19-month prison term at Oxford Crown Court yesterday, but a warrant for his arrest has been issued after he failed to show.

The 30-year-old, of Bridge House Caravan Site, Clifton Hampden, had earlier admitted 17 charges of fraud and one count of theft.

His partner in crime Lorraine Jessop had earlier admitted six counts of fraud. The 27-year-old, from Sonning Common, near Reading, was at court and was given a community order and told to do 50 hours’ unpaid work.

Recorder William Featherby heard the offences took place between March 2009 and March this year and involved equestrian equipment that was sold but never delivered, and cheques for accommodation that bounced. Among the victims was the Linton Lodge Hotel in North Oxford.

The court heard Lawrence’s failure to turn up was due to ill health, but Record Featherby dismissed this claim.

His prison sentence will begin once he has been brought before the court.