A MOTOR parts dealer who sold tax-exempt fuel illicitly to motorists was jailed for a year yesterday.

John William Fletcher and staff were observed filling up hundreds of cars at Ford Autos Parts in Hendon, Sunderland, between September 2000 and the following February.

Durham Crown Court heard that Customs and Excise investigators carried out video surveillance and in many cases Fletcher was seen taking payment from customers.

Tests confirmed the fuel was "red diesel", normally used in farm machinery, but which cannot be sold for private vehicles using the public highway.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said when arrested, Fletcher denied making illicit sales, directly filling up vehicles. He claimed only legal sales were made to callers with containers.

Mr Dodds said the estimated loss to the Treasury amounted to £45,739 during the period of under five months.

Fletcher, 38, of Stratford Avenue, Grangetown, Sunderland, admitted one charge of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty.

A further charge relating to unpaid duty on tobacco, previously denied by Fletcher, was left to lie on file.