A CAR salesman tried to frame his former boss after he was arrested over a string of thefts, a court heard.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Michael Willas, 32, threatened to expose respectable car dealer Peter Harding as a conman and have him attacked unless he changed his statement to police which could link Mr Willas to a shady deal.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Willas had been charged with the theft of two cars from S G Petch Ltd in Langley Moor, County Durham.

He sold one of the cars, a Vauxhall Vectra to Mr Harding even though it was reported as having been stolen along with a Vauxhall Astra, from the garage forecourt on February 16 last year.

A few weeks later Mr Harding sold the car on to an unsuspecting customer.

When the car was identified as stolen, Mr Harding told police what he knew and said he would be willing to give evidence in court.

But in a bid to silence him, Mr Willas tried to force Mr Harding to say the deal had been set up by Stuart Robinson, who had previously employed Willas.

Julian Smith, prosecuting, told the court: "The defendant said his solicitor had dug up information about dishonest dealings by Mr Harding at Durham Auctions that would come out in the trial.

"He said Mr Harding had to help him and if he didn't come to the party, as it were, he and his friends would do him in.

"Harding was told to say he had spoken to Stuart Robinson and had agreed to buy the cars from him."

Mr Willas was arrested after Mr Harding informed police about the threats.

Mr Willas, of Cheviot Terrace, Stanley, denies witness intimidation, false imprisonment and perverting the course of public justice in September and October last year.

He also denies four charges of theft in February last year.

The trial continues.