Swindon horsebox distributor admits defrauding people out of hundreds of thousands of pounds
Police have said Benjamin Ambrose's actions had a "long term impact" on his victims
Last updated 16th Apr 2026
A man from Swindon who worked as a horsebox distributor has admitted to stealing and defrauding people out of hundred of thousands of pounds.
Benjamin Ambrose, 44, from Malory Close, Tadpole Garden Village, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, five counts of fraud, and one offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 at Swindon Crown Court on April 2nd.
He was released on bail ahead of sentencing on September 15th.
Ambrose previously operated under the name Wiltshire Horsebox Hire and was an established distributor for Bloomfields Horseboxes in the Southwest, a company based in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
In 2018, he incorporated a separate company, ‘Bloomfields Horseboxes (South) Ltd’ in Wiltshire, where he continued his business operations.
Following voluntary liquidation of the company in September 2024, Wiltshire Police began receiving complaints alleging fraud and theft connected to Ambrose.
Investigations by Wiltshire Police's fraud team revealed that Ambrose had committed numerous offences, amounting to losses of hundreds of thousands of pounds for his victims.
These included repeatedly failing to deliver bespoke horseboxes after payment and taking large payments while lying about delays, despite knowing that work was not progressing.
He also failed to provide agreed payments to victims after selling their horseboxes or chassis.
One victim also discovered the horsebox purchased from Ambrose was still under a financial agreement.
Ambrose was charged with multiple offences last December (2025).
Investigating officer DC Melissa Pope from our Fraud team said: “Ambrose was a prolific liar which has left his victims tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.
“He knew exactly what he was doing, often creating friendships with the victims and manipulating them to spend their money, before failing to deliver what was ordered.
“His deceit has had huge, long-term impacts on the victims. While there is the considerable financial impact of his crimes, the emotional toll can’t be understated.
“Fraud and deception like this often lead to victims feeling vulnerable to scams and constantly replaying what else they could have done, when in fact it is solely down to the offender’s lies and deceit.
“I’m pleased Ambrose has pleaded guilty to the charges and the case will now progress to his sentencing in September.”