A FRAUDULENT former funeral director has been jailed for three-and-a-half years and ordered to pay back the money he stole from his vulnerable victims.

Christopher Westcott, 41, pretended to set up funeral plans for clients of his firm Cathedral Funeral Services but instead pocketed the money.

Teesside Crown Court heard today that his victims, described as vulnerable, were left distressed when they discovered the money was gone and no plans for their funerals had been prepared.

Westcott, who had previously been in prison and had convictions for theft and obtaining property by deception, was told he would have to pay 6,330 compensation to his victims along with 10,000 confiscation order or face a further six months in prison.

The defendant, who pleaded guilty to five charges of theft, had also obtained 5,870 from banks by deception, in October and November 2003.

The court heard one of his victims was a man who had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and was keen to set up funeral instalment plan payments to prevent his loved ones facing a financial burden.

James Atkins, prosecuting, said the victims felt that a funeral director should be trusted and they felt distressed by Westcott's actions.

One man paid 1,695 to the married defendant for a plot in Medomsley, County Durham, but later saw press coverage about Westcott and contacted police after discovering the plot had not been reserved and his money had gone.Cathedral Funeral Services, which was based at Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City, ceased trading in 2003.

Mr Atkins said: "He felt that the defendant was plausible and genuine. He thought as a funeral director that he would be trustworthy.

"He feels he has been deceived and hopes justice will be done."

Scott Smith, defending, said Westcott, formerly of Sherburn Village, near Durham City, had expressed a degree of remorse and was keen to pay back the money to his victims.

He said he had now moved to an undisclosed address Washington and was a member of the Anglican church.

Judge Richard Lowden said the offences had been committed at a time when the victims were in an emotional and vulnerable state.

He said: "The position of a funeral director is one which requires trust because of the nature of the relationship and that trust was abused by you."