A SCAMMER who ripped off more than a dozen businesses from across the north has escaped with a suspended sentence.
Callum Townsend - formerly known as Stuart Townsend - of Parkmore Road, Magherafelt, Co Derry, was handed a four-month sentence suspended for three years at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.
The 24-year-old had set up an events company to run birthdays and bridal fairs.
In 2013 he said he had advertised a bridal fair and took money from several businesses. But the fair did not take place.
Townsend's offences included asking for money to secure a place at the fair and for advertisements which were never placed.
He also told one firm he would supply them with work in return for discounted IT services.
Victims included a wedding dress provider, wedding cake maker and a caricature artist.
A defence barrister said Townsend was previously given a suspended five-month sentence by another judge for similar offences.
He said Townsend had paid back £1,380.
However, Townsend was ordered to pay back the full £1,515 owed.
The prosecutor said a "large number of victims" were caught up in the scam.
District Judge Des Perry said: "This was a dreadful series of events".
He warned Townsend to stay out of trouble for the next three years.
