A "COMPLEX and time consuming investigation" is how police viewed the case of a fraudulent Bangor car dealer who was jailed on Tuesday.

North Wales Police released a statement following the sentencing of Gwyn Meirion Roberts at Caernarfon Court.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Hargrave said: “Gwyn Meirion Roberts has today been sentenced to seven years in prison, having been found guilty of 23 counts of fraud and fraudulent trading.

“This has been a complex and time consuming investigation by North Wales Police and we welcome the sentence today.”

“The investigation commenced in October 2015 when Menai Vehicle Solutions was placed into voluntary liquidation.

“Over 50 members of the public lost large amounts of money when they placed their trust in Gwyn Roberts to deliver the deals he promised them. Those losses amounted to over £1.3 million.

“He knew at the time of making those promises that there was a significant risk to the victims money.

"His continued trading, even though the business had failed, was only an attempt to maintain his pride and his lifestyle.”

“I would especially like to thank the victims in this case, many of whom have given evidence in the trial and sat with dignity to hear the repeated lies told by the defendant.”