TWO Kidderminster men who took part in a plot to con stores around the country out of cash have been jailed at Worcester Crown Court.

A gang - which included a dishonest postman - obtained goods using stolen chequebooks and then returned them to a different outlet in another town for illegal refunds.

For example, clothing "purchased" at a store in Worcester would be returned to a branch of the same chain in Cardiff to avoid arousing suspicion, said Nigel Reader, prosecuting.

Ashley Prescott, known as "the bookman" because he was in charge of the chequebooks, told police they made up to £50,000 during the 10-month fraud.

The man he recruited, Matthew Cox - "the bagman" - was responsible for returning some of the goods.

Prescott, aged 26, of Bennett Street, was jailed for four years. Cox, 21, of Greatfield Road, was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obtain goods by deception.

Mr Reader said each stolen chequebook - some passed on by a dishonest postman - made up to £2,000 for the gang.

Prescott used about 20 stolen chequebooks and stolen credit cards to authorise the cheques.

The defendants were first arrested on Tuesday, May 23, last year, at Rashwood, near Droit-wich.

They refused to answer police questions, but carried on after being released. On Tuesday, October 10, they were arrested again on the A449 near Worcester, but this time confessed.

Mr Reader said the gang mainly targeted shops with less stringent security checks. Prescott named others in interviews, including the "silent boss".

Cox was responsible for returning goods to shops in Bristol and Kidderminster and collecting the refunds.

None of the other men questioned by police had been brought to court.

Anthony Potter, for Prescott, said the former Royal Navy aircraft mechanic took part because of substantial drug debts.

He had been taken down an alley and given a choice to work for the gang or be beaten up.

Nigel Stelling, for Cox - a former postman himself - said gambling debts had led to his downfall.

Judge David McEvoy QC said Prescott played a major role in a sophisticated conspiracy, while Cox had a lesser part.