A man has been charged with defrauding victims out of £14,000 by offering non-existent Apple computer products for sale.

Michael Sines, 38, of Whitebeam Road, Durrington, Worthing, has been charged with six fraud offences and a theft, and is due to appear on bail at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on May 27.

The charge follows a local police investigation into allegations that Apple products were offered at reduced prices to six alleged victims who parted with a total of some £14,000 in cash for items which did not materialise.

Four of the alleged victims came from the Worthing and Brighton areas, one from Southampton and one from Nottingham.

PC Nick Bartlett said; "Anyone who wishes to report an offence of this type can always contact us via 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 0432 of 19/2."