A RESPECTED businessman lost his good name after gas cylinders belonging to a rival company were found at his premises.

John Smith, 68, runs a successful business, Ashley Air Products, supplying gas cylinders to the pub and restaurant trade, Durham Crown Court was told.

But when police visited his business premises, in Ryhope Street South, Sunderland, in November 1999, they found 25 cylinders belonging to rival suppliers Messer UK, of Birtley, near Chester-le-Street.

Michael Graham, prosecuting, said some were painted over to cover the Messer name, while others were disguised to look as if they belonged to Ashley Air Products.

Mr Graham said the cylinders, worth £1,600, should have been returned to Messer UK.

Jamie Adams, mitigating, said Smith managed to undercut rivals to win various contracts and on supplying them with full cylinders, simply removed the old ones, which should have been collected by Messer.

But all the cylinders had now been returned and there had, therefore, been no loss to the company.

Mr Adams described Smith, as, "of some standing" in the community, and said his court appearance was, "a source of acute embarrassment to him".

Smith, of The White House, Glen Path, Ashbrooke, Sunderland, admitted theft.

Judge Denis Orde told him: "It's clear you engaged in this dishonesty to get something for nothing.

"There was really no need, as it's said his was a very healthy business.

"It just happened because these cylinders were there for the taking.

"I dare say you have learned by this and, no doubt, it will not happen again.

"But the loss of reputation is a big part of the punishment."

Judge Orde imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered Smith to pay £980 court costs