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

Michael Baker, of Pilgrims Way, Hollingbourne, 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 a trainers and a bloodstock agent to purchase thoroughbred horses, one of which was bought for more than £7 million on his behalf knowing he had no funds to pay for them.

He also took over the lease of the White Horse pub in Sandway and borrowed money to pay the rent, and order a local builder to carry out a full refurbishment but never paid for it.

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.

Full story in this Friday's Kent Messenger