ASHLEY Brooks, 40, from Rutland, has been jailed for fraud after taking nearly £150,000 worth of jewellery from customers at his Wickford business between 2019 and 2021.

He failed to sell or return the items, including a £37,000 ring and a £10,000 diamond, and gave false excuses.

Our officers disproved his claims of being robbed using phone and vehicle data.

On 21 October, Brooks was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison at Basildon Crown Court. 

Speaking after his sentencing Detective Sergeant Sandy Kelleher said:

"Ashley Brooks utilised his role as a trusted jewellery seller to his advantage.

"This investigation involved painstaking detective work to piece together and debunk his lies to prove that what Brooks had told his victims was simply not true.

"He preyed on their trust and good will and I am pleased he has been brought to justice."