Leeds United-linked fraudster Paul Garland back in jail

Paul Garland, 45, was first jailed for two-and-a-half years in 2006 after admitting 11 counts of obtaining money by deception. The case at Leeds Crown Court followed an investigation by North Yorkshire Police.

Garland, a self-styled “Mr Fixit” who was involved in a bid to buy Leeds during Gerald Krasner’s chairmanship in 2004, spent more than £50,000 renting a mansion in Cheshire.

He drove two Bentley convertibles at his Cheshire home and is alleged to have disguised his income by passing funds through a Swiss bank account.

His latest 26-month prison sentence follows his failure to return a debt to his neighbours Brian and Philippa Manley.

Det Con Steve Warner, from Cheshire Constabulary’s economic crime unit, said: “Although Paul Garland is now serving a prison sentence for failing to pay the compensation order, Cheshire Police will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding how Garland sustained his wealthy lifestyle.”

Garland, who has used the aliases Paul Anthony and Paul Wilson in his football dealings, was part of a consortium headed by hedge fund manager Sebastian Sainsbury which was in talks with Charlton and Watford, as well as Leeds.

Garland’s dealings with United pre-date the involvement of the club’s current owners.