INTERNET shoppers ended up nearly £12,000 out of pocket when they reponded to website 'auctions.'

Instead of getting a good deal from an East Lancashire man who used an Accrington address, customers received nothing for their money, Preston Crown Court heard.

He was yesterday Brian Taylor was placed on a three-year rehabilitation order when he appeared for sentence.

The judge passing sentence admitted he was taking a chance with Taylor, but noted that the defendant had managed to stay out of trouble for about two years.

Taylor, 28, of Lomeshaye Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to one offence of using a false instrument and 30 others of theft.

The court heard that in May 1998, using the name of Andrew Snape, he rented a home on Lonsdale Street, Accrington. It appeared that a cheque book intended for a neighbouring couple was delivered in the post to a wrong address.

Taylor went on to appropriate a cheque from the book for his own use. He issued a cheque in the sum of £2,250, which was paid into an account.

Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, said the internet thefts involved the misuse of a facility set up by a company called QXL Ricardo. People could open an account with them and offer goods for sale on the net.

Potential buyers would access the website. Once bidding was closed, QXL would contact the person successful to give details of the seller. The buyer would then deal directly with the seller.

The defendant registered with the company as a seller in March 2000. That month, Taylor ran 24twenty four separate auctions on the website on goods supposedly for sale.

The prosecution said he used the names Technology For You and Provision Communications. He claimed to be selling a variety of computer goods and components at very attractive prices.

Cheques were received at a Padiham address where he was staying with his brother.

Mr Grout-Smith said "No goods were ever dispatched. Buyers contacted the defendant's email address and were given a variety of excuses as to why the goods were not on their way.

"The total loss was £11,900. None of the buyers on the indictment ever received their goods or their money back.

Taylor was arrested on April 4 last year, arriving at Liverpool Airport on a flight from Madrid. The defendant had convictions for dishonesty and had used the name Brian Chadwick in the past.

Mr Chris Hudson, defending, said Taylor could pay everyone back.