A FRAUDSTER ripped off motorists by handing out MOT certificates but not carrying out the test.

Philip Brookes, 48, was working at the Bolney Grange Garage off Stairbridge Lane and the A23 near Hickstead earlier this year.

His duties included doing MOT tests for car owners.

But at Crawley Magistrates’ Court it was revealed he had issued certificates without doing the tests, as required by the Motor Vehicles Tests Regulations.

Brookes admitted 17 counts of fraud by false representation between January and February this year, where he accepted he had either intended to cause motorists a loss, or exposed them to a risk of loss.

Magistrates heard that Brookes, of North Mead, Henfield, was issuing the MOT tests.

They ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service work and 12 days of

rehabilitation sessions with the probation service.

Brookes must also pay £1,567 in costs and a £90 surcharge after his appearance in court on November 4.