Plotter jailed for role in fraud led by bank chief

Mark Kerr was sent to prison for a total of 20 months yesterday after he admitted conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.

Kerr, 48, recruited people to set up accounts so that dirty money could be put in and withdrawn.

The con was led by Richard Crawford, 41, then head of fraud operations at Yorkshire-based bank First Direct.

In eight months he stole more than 173,000 from customers' accounts.

In January Crawford, of Whitkirk in Leeds, was jailed for three years and eight months after he admitted fraud, possessing articles for use in fraud and money laundering.

Leeds Crown Court was told that he used the money to fund his alcoholism and cocaine addiction following the break-up of his marriage, despite the fact that he was earning 65,000 a year.

Kerr, of Game Lane, Thornbury, Bradford, but originally from Leeds, got involved with the fraud through social circles in Seacroft, Leeds, where others involved in the fraud were based. He was the ninth person to be sentenced over the fraud.

A man from Kent is awaiting sentence for money laundering and a woman from Leeds is due before court at a later date.

Following yesterday's hearing Det Chief Insp Mick McDermott said: "This investigation has highlighted how these dishonest people have been driven by greed in order to make extra cash at the expense of others.

"This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and West Yorkshire Police's Economic Crime Unit will continue to conduct thorough and detailed investigations in order to bring criminals such as Kerr to justice."

None of First Direct's customers lost money, as losses were borne by the bank.