IPSWICH: A teenage conman who ‘sold’ non-existent tyres for �1,500 on eBay after stealing a set of four tyres from his employer has been spared jail.

Today, Daniel Crowley is under a 12-month community order with a 100-hour unpaid work requirement after pleading guilty to theft and fraud.

South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court heard the 19-year-old was working for GW Commercial Tyres in Holywells Close, Ipswich, at the time.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said the trainee tyre fitter had advertised four tyres for sale on the internet auction site eBay, but did not expect anyone to show interest.

However, a man did reply and Crowley made the ‘sale’ for �1,500 on June 11 this year.

He also raised a false invoice for the goods which he did not have.

Crowley spent the money he received on car insurance, and paying off a bank loan and phone bill.

After he was arrested for fraud he told police it had been a stupid thing to do.

Seven days earlier, on June 4, Crowley took four tyres from a store at his workplace and put them near a fence.

Mr Ablett said Crowley –formerly of Ipswich, but now of Coldnailhurst Avenue, Braintree – intended to return later in the day to steal the items, but the tyres were never taken.

District Judge David Cooper asked a probation officer to prepare a fast-track report before sentencing, saying: “Maybe, he could do something useful for the community, instead of being such a cheat.”

After receiving the report District Judge Cooper gave Crowley, who is now working as an apprentice welder, the community order and told him to pay �85 costs. He must also pay �1,500 compensation to the man he defrauded.

n Have you been the victim of theft or fraud? E-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or write to Star Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.