Car dealer jailed for fraudulent trading
Offences were committed between 2017 and 2019
Last updated 14th Aug 2026
A director of a high-value sports car dealership, in Knaresborough, has been jailed, for fraudulent trading.
Andrew Mearns, 57, of Colwyn Place, Llandudno, Wales, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of fraud at Sheffield Crown Court. Today (Friday 14 August 2026), he was handed a two-and-a-half-year custodial sentence.
Between December 2006 and July 2019, Mearns was a director at Gmund Cars Limited, a well-known business in Knaresborough, which specialised in the modifying and trading of expensive vehicles, Porsches in particular.
Mearns agreed to sell cars for clients, on a commission basis. Clients became concerned, when they discovered that their respective vehicles had been sold, but they had not received any money. This was because Mearns had fraudulently sold his client’s vehicles, but had retained the monies for himself.
The offences, connected to Mearns, centred around 14 separate reports submitted between October 2017 and July 2019. After the initial report, an extensive investigation was started by North Yorkshire Police. It has taken several years to reach today’s outcome.
Police Staff Investigator, Corrina Graham-Merrett, from North Yorkshire Police said: “Mearns lied to his customers time and time again. Thankfully, his offending was brought to a stop, and we have worked tirelessly to secure evidence against him over many years.
“The financial and emotional impact on his victims has been nothing short of devastating, and will no doubt continue for them whilst civil cases are pursued to have vehicles repatriated. It is right that he now faces the consequences for his actions.
“This case delivers a firm warning: fraud will be met with zero tolerance in our communities. We will pursue those who exploit honest trust by ensuring that we hold them to account.”
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or via the website.
You can also report to Action Fraud via actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Call 999 immediately in an emergency, or if you suspect a fraud is currently in progress.