A car dealer who defrauded customers out of almost £30,000 must complete his 30 month prison sentence, judges have ruled.

Mark Constantine Simon Jones (38) who ran a Bromsgrove firm, cheated several clients out of £28,900 – taking their cash in exchange for vehicles which never materialised, the Birmingham Mail reports

Jones, of Brandwood Crescent, Kings Norton, was jailed at Worcester Crown Court, last July, after he was convicted of seven counts of fraud.

Three senior judges at London Appeal Court rejected a sentence challenge by Jones, saying he had “no basis” for any complaint.

Mr Justice Cooke said Jones ran a company which repaired and sold salvaged vehicles when he committed the series of offences over a 12-month period in 2009.

He convinced customers to hand over their cash, but neither produced the promised vehicles nor returned their money, despite their frequent requests for him to do so.

After his deception was exposed and Jones was arrested, he denied any wrongdoing but was ultimately found guilty of the seven charges.

The jury acquitted him of two others.

Jones had no previous convictions and, prior to the dishonesty, he ran a legitimate business.

At the time, he was said by his lawyers to have been suffering health and “matrimonial” problems.

Mr Justice Cooke said the Appeal Court had seen letters attesting to his “anxiety and depression” and detailing the medication he was taking at the time.

On appeal, Jones’ lawyers argued that his punishment was far too tough.

But the appeal judge, sitting with Lord Justice Pitchford and Mrs Justice Lang, said: “We see no basis for interfering. The application to appeal must be dismissed.”