A MAN who set up a false domain name online to fraudulently take money from a solicitors firm has avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Jake Barnes, of Orchid Close in Wilmslow, took more than £32,000 from Watermans Solicitors in Edinburgh after a business relationship between them went sour.

The 30-year-old appeared in Chester Crown Court on Thursday, March 17, where prosecutor John Oates told the court how Barnes used to supply the personal injury firm with possible claims.

The business relationship ended in March 2020, and the next day Barnes set up a domain name that was the same as the solicitors’, but with an extra ‘s’ at the end.

Mr Oates explained how this enabled Barnes to send emails, which were thought to be from the company, instructing payments to be made.

Barnes received four payments through this method between March 26, and April 18, 2020, to the value of £32,450.

Defending, Richard Orme, said Barnes’ sentence did not have to be one of immediate custody, and he could be successfully rehabilitated in the community.

He told the court the offence was not as sophisticated as suggested by the prosecution – it consisted of four false invoices.

Mr Orme added Barnes had suffered with mental health problems, had good character references and displayed remorse for his actions.

Addressing Barnes during sentencing, Recorder Horgan said: “You were in a business relationship with a firm of solicitors in Edinburgh.

“But the day after that relationship ended, you then set up a false domain in a name very close to the one the solicitors had.

“You did that for one purpose and one purpose only, and that was to commit fraud against them.”

He continued that Barnes’ character references speak highly of him, and he poses no risk to the public.

Barnes was handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 28 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

“You have come very close to going to prison today,” Recorder Horgan said.

Referring to a letter Barnes had written explaining his remorse, he added: “This court is taking you at your word, but only time will tell if you mean that.”