A FATHER-of-three has been jailed for four years for his actions in defrauding and attempting to defraud companies out of more than £340,000.

Robert Salinger’s life went off the rails after a series of bereavements and resulting cocaine and cannabis addictions then mounting debts, a court was told.

Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Salinger became involved in a “sophisticated” fraud which targeted vehicle companies and an e-cigarette supplier.

He would call up pretending to be someone else, to say he needed to borrow or buy equipment which would be paid for at a later date, and attempt to leave with it before employees became aware.

Salinger, of Woodford Road, Failsworth, even got so confident he phoned a Japanese firm claiming he was chief executive of Marriott Hotels.

He appeared in court for sentence after pleading guilty to fraud offences on the second day of a trial.

Prosecutor Kevin Smack said frauds succeeded against Ashtead Plant Hire, Kuhmo Tyres, Auchinlea Tyres Ltd and Horizon Platforms. There were failed attempts against Khumo Tyres, Briggs Equipment, Japan Tobacco International and Smiths Equipment.

He said: “The successful frauds were for a total value of £180,000, with unsuccessful ones approaching a value of £160,000.”

Wayne Goldstein, defending, said his client lost four family members in late 2015 and turned to cocaine and cannabis. This resulted in the defendant becoming indebted to dealers.

He told the court the defendant was lower down in a "pyramid scheme" and his daughter particularly anxious about the prospect of her father being sent to prison for the offences.

Judge John Potter said the offences were so serious only custody was merited.

Salinger's co-accused, Headley Brown, 56, of Wilson Way, Oldham, will be sentenced in January.