A young online businessman who defrauded four customers after they ordered designer clothing from him has been sentenced by a judge.

Macauley Pears, 20, initially ran a legitimate enterprise which offered branded polo shirts and other items for sale.

However, Carlisle Crown Court heard that over the course of several weeks, Pears accepted payment from four different people but then failed to despatch the goods as agreed.

Pears was charged with four counts of fraud, by making false representations.

He admitted the offences, committed between November, 2014, and January, 2015, at the crown court today.

Judge Peter Davies concluded that the defendant, a man of previous good character, had "buried his head in the sand" as he struggled to manage his venture.

Pears, of Derwent Avenue, Maryport, was given an 18-month conditional discharge. He must also pay total compensation of £438.99 and £1,500 costs.