Two fraudsters who ran a rogue wheel clamping business have been ordered to pay more than £17,000 in compensation to their victims.

The huge compensation payout came following a court case brought by Thurrock Council in 2016, with a proceeds of crime hearing held at the end of May at Basildon Crown Court.

The convicted fraudsters, who are both from outside the borough, were handed suspended sentences by the courts for a campaign of fraudulent trading throughout Thurrock.

John Challinor, 57, of Albert Street, Harwich, and Edward Blundell, 78, of Coles Oak Lane, Dedham, were convicted of fraudulent trading in May 2016 for their part in running an unscrupulous company which clamped cars, vans and lorries across Thurrock.

The company illegally clamped vehicles on the public highway, as well as operating bogus charges to cancel tow truck bookings.

They also used aggressive tactics such as the threat of crushing cars if payments were not made.

The pair were both sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, while two other men also received suspended prison sentences for blackmail.

A Proceeds of Crime Act case at Basildon Crown Court heard Challinor had earned £472,635.20 from his part in the scam, with the amount he had available declared to be £78,000.

A confiscation order was made for £78,000, with £17,052.30 of the total to be paid as compensation to the victims.

The court heard Blundell made £472,563.70 from the fraudulent trading and had £1,500 available, with a confiscation order made for £1,500.

He was also ordered to pay £500 costs and warned that he will brought back to court if evidence emerges that he has any other assets.

Shane Hebb, deputy leader of Thurrock Council, said: “This case dates back a number of years now and the initial prosecution involved a great deal of partnership working involving both National Trading Standards’ Tri-Regional Investigation Team and the police.

“I am delighted that, thanks to the hard work of the council, compensation has now been secured for the victims of this scam.

“This case should serve as a clear warning that we will not tolerate those who break the law and exploit people to line their own pockets.

“We will continue to use all of the powers available to us to tackle fraud and protect our residents and businesses.”

During the court case in 2016, evidence to the court showed that in one January 2012 week they took in more than £9,000, fitting 23 clamps.

Following a series of complaints Thurrock Council’s trading standards agreed to act and warrants of entry were executed in October 2013.