A “FLASHY” fraudster roped in friends, family and a worker at his local shop as he made loan applications totalling £200,000.

Jailing him for more than four years, a Swindon judge described Daniel Robertson as the lynchpin in the scam.

Over two-and-a-half years, the 29--year-old made almost 200 applications to a raft of banks and building societies. He stole others’ identities, doctored documents and made applications in false names – including “Daniel A***hole”.

The total value of the 198 loan applications was almost £200,000, although not all applications were successful and he received only £52,000.

Judge Jason Taylor QC said: “For you, it was a numbers game.

“This was a determined and well-planned fraud and you were adept at what you did.”

Robertson roped in five family members and friends, who let him use their bank accounts to launder cash, set up accounts in their name or put their name to dodgy loan applications.

It was said only £15,000 went in his name, although the judge said he had no doubt Robertson had raked in more.The fraud was unmasked when a loan company reported their concerns in June 2017.

He has a previous conviction in 2015 for almost identical offences and Swindon Crown Court heard he had continued to make fraudulent loan applications even after being interviewed by police.

In Robertson’s defence, it was said the fraud was unsophisticated. It was admitted Robertson had “put two fingers up to the establishment” by continuing to offend after being released under investigation by police, but it was pleaded he was addicted to offending.

Robertson, of Thorney Park, admitted fraud and making or supplying an article for use in a fraud. He was sentenced to four years and one months imprisonment.

Five others were sentenced for their part in the scam.

Robertson’s partner Holly Ayres, 26, of Thorney Park, Wroughton, was convicted of money laundering by a jury. 56 applications had been made in her name, with £7,500 paid out. She was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years, ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work, must abide by a six-month curfew and complete up to 20 rehabilitation activity days.

Mum Michelle Robertson, 51, of Burbage Road, Penhill, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and given a five-month curfew. 24 loan applications had been made in her name, paying out over £8,000. She pleaded guilty to money laundering.

Robertson’s brother Liam Yates, 23, of Ulysses Road, was convicted of money laundering by a Swindon jury. A bank account was opened in his name, with £3,000 laundered through it. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, told to complete 125 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 rehabilitation days.

Yates’ partner Cody Woodward, 24, of Ulysses Road, admitted money laundering. 19 applications were made on her behalf totalling £14,000. She was given a two year community order, 150 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 rehabilitation days.

Suzanne Young, 53, of Thorney Park, worked at Robertson’s local shop. She allowed her bank account to be used to launder cash. Judge Taylor said: “I am satisfied you went into this with your eyes open. You are not as naïve or as thick as you claim. You knew Daniel was ‘flashy’. You knew he had money.” Young was sentenced to an 18-month community order, four month curfew and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Reacting to the sentence, Det Con Rachael Fairbairn of the Complex Fraud Team said: “This has been a lengthy investigation, involving substantial financial and technological enquiries.

“Robertson is a prolific offender who has committed similar offences previously and so we have successfully applied for a Serious Crime Prevention Order upon him following release from prison to help to protect the public from further offending.

"We are also seeking to pursue Robertson for the proceeds of his crime.

"Offenders in these types of cases can often try to minimise their actions by viewing this as a victimless crime, but it is important to recognise that this has caused substantial stress and difficulty for those who have had their identities stolen."