A credit card fraudster has been jailed for two years for scamming small businesses out of £45,000 of bathroom tiles, washing machines and alloy wheels.

Deep Mann, 28, of South Park Road, Ilford, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, after admitting seven counts of fraud at a earlier hearing.

Between September 2015 and January 2016 the con man would use American credit card details to purchase a selection of household goods from small businesses in Redbridge, other parts of London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Mann made all the purchases by telephone, exploiting a loophole in fraud protection.

He would then contact the courier, and would meet them away from his house so he could not be traced.

Mann bought an array of appliances and equipment from unsuspecting shops including tumble driers, showers and alloy wheels.

He even purchased several bathroom suites.

Officers were eventually alerted to the frauds when a business in Ealing contacted them after one of the scammed card holders had called their bank.

Detectives launched an investigation, and covertly watched Mann meet a courier in Ilford, and load a bath into a van.

Police arrested the scammer, and found the £1,300 bath had been purchased by one of the credit cards.

They then searched his home, and discovered more than £45,000 worth of fraudulent goods.

Det Sgt Lee Hand from Ealing CID said: “This was a fantastic result, which has seen a prolific fraudster who scammed lots of innocent people taken out of circulation.

“His thoughtless offences affected small businesses who could not afford to take such a financial hit and are now having to recoup loss of earnings.

“As a result of an effective and determined investigation, such a volume of evidence was obtained against Mann that he pleaded guilty at his first court appearance and has received a lengthy time behind bars, which I hope will give some closure to his victims.

“Our message is clear – if you commit such an offence you will be caught and put before the courts to face the consequences.”

Mann will be forced to resell any future earnings and assets up to £45,000.