A SHIPSTON man has started a 21-month prison sentence after being found guilty of three counts of fraud and for breaching a suspended sentence dating back to 2011.

Kevin Crellin, 52, of Banbury Road, Sibford Gower, appeared before Oxford Crown Court on April 15 for sentencing following a trial on February 24 this year.

Crellin was charged with three counts of dishonestly making false representation.

The charges related to dishonestly asking for donations from members of the public between February 28 and April 1, 2012, and between January 31, 2012, and March 1, 2012.

The money was asked for online in relation to an injured pilot who had suffered in a flying accident.

Crellin was also alleged to have dishonestly offered flying lessons between May 31, 2012 and July 1, 2012 at Hinton Airfield, Northamptonshire.

He first appeared at Oxford Crown Court on December 23 2013. A case management hearing was held on March 17 2014 where Crellin entered not guilty pleas.

The defendant was first due to be sentenced on March 30 this year but failed to appear and a bench warrant was issued.

Crellin was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of each count to run concurrently. He was also sentenced to nine months imprisonment to run consecutively for breach of a suspended sentence dated September 15 2011 for eight counts of fraud.