Loan shark Paul Gilpin of Egremont gets suspended term

A loan shark from Egremont who illegally made £36,000 out of customers has been given a suspended sentence.

Paul Gilpin admitted running his unlicensed credit firm, lending small amounts of cash to around 40 customers.

Instead of charging interest he asked for flat fees - often £700 for a £400 loan - Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The 28-year-old, of Thorny Road, was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years. The hearing heard he was not violent towards customers.

He was also ordered to do 25 hours community work at the hearing on Friday.

Angela Jones, of Cumbria Trading Standards, said she hoped the sentence would act as a deterrent to other illegal money lenders.