9:53 am, September 30, 2026
A car salesman who defrauded his employer by pocketing cash payments from used car sales involving more than 100 vehicles has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Nicholas Corp, 56, of Ladymead, Portishead, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position following offending at a dealership in Bristol between March 2023 and June 2025.
He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, September 4, to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Corp was also ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation requirement.
Police said Corp pocketed cash payments from used car sales while working at the dealership and described the offending as a ‘Ponzi scheme’.
Investigators said the fraud involved more than 100 vehicles.
His employer discovered the offending, challenged Corp and reported the matter to police, prompting an investigation.
Corp was arrested on June 13, 2025, and charged on December 23, 2025.
Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings have now begun, with police seeking to recover more than £95,700.
DC Lee Townsend, the investigating officer, said: ‘As a longstanding and respected car dealer in Bristol, Corp was entrusted with significant responsibility.
‘He chose to abuse that trust for personal benefit, undermining the confidence placed in him by his employer and customers.
‘Economic crime and fraud can have a devastating impact on victims, and we remain committed to investigating those who seek to profit through dishonesty and deception.’