A MAN who used his dead father's name to obtain goods to help save his failing business was ordered yesterday to do 150 hours community punishment.

The order was made by Judge Tony Briggs at Teesside Crown Court after Trevor Wade, 46, of Church Square, High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, admitted three charges of obtaining property by deception.

Yvonne Taylor, prosecuting, said Wade had used his father's name to obtain credit to buy sewing machines and a car. He had since repaid money owed on the machines, but there was still £6,224 outstanding after the sale of the car.

Andrea Morrison, defending, said that Wade had worked in his wife's fashion business after being injured in his former employment as an electrician. The business had got into difficulties during the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Ms Morrison said Wade's wife was also ill and while still trying to save the business he bought a car to take her around.

Judge Briggs told Wade: "You fell on hard times and were unable to face it."

But in view of his confession, the level of the loss and subsequent bankruptcy, Judge Briggs said he had decided to impose the punishment order.