Fake degrees man jailed for three years

David Fox, 51, sold the fakes – which included a masters certificate from Oxford University, GCSEs and vocational qualifications – through a website.

The trained graphic designer, from Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, was previously found guilty of four counts of fraud – two concerning him and two relating to his company Business Digest.

He had pleaded guilty to 12 counts under the Trademark Act and Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.

Sentencing the father-of-one to three years in prison yesterday at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Recorder Abigail Nixon said she accepted financial problems drove him to launch the scam, but he could have found work or drawn benefits.

"The potential damage from your behaviour, your criminality, is immense and even now could have long-lasting effects on the employment market and fabric of society."

The court previously heard Fox advertised and sold a variety of counterfeit documents, including "degrees" from Oxford University, health and safety certificates and qualifications by professional bodies.

Fox said he had not provided certificates for pilots or surgeons. But he had given fake qualifications for electricians and in medical microbiology and virology.