A SERIAL conman who defrauded West Cumbria-based Britain's Energy Coast (BEC) out of more than £40,000 has been jailed for six years.

James Cox, 51, falsified a CV and invented references to land the £65,000-a-year role of finance director at the regeneration agency.

Cox then swindled the organisation out of public money to the tune of £40,687.

He splashed this cash in Carlisle on a Jaguar car which he then traded in to acquire other luxury vehicles in the Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston areas.

But Cox's crimes caught up with him after he left BEC, which called in police after suspicions were raised.

Jailed twice previously for other fiddles, he was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI) having admitted six crimes.

These were two frauds and four counts of transferring criminal property, all committed during 2015.

Cox, of no fixed address but living in Bristol, was jailed by Recorder Mark Ainsworth, who told the fraudster he carried out a "planned and determined deception."

Detective Inspector Dan StQuintin, of Cumbria Police, said: “I welcome the sentencing today, this successful prosecution was brought about by the hard work of west Cumbrian detectives working closely with Britain’s Energy Coast and Avon and Somerset Police.

"James Cox has stolen over £40,000 from a fund set up to help communities in Cumbria that need it most, he has put jobs and community projects at risk. He has used this money to fund a lifestyle he could not afford.

"He was tracked down to the Bristol area and arrested. Cumbria Constabulary does not tolerate any sort of fraud. Three of our six main aims are to work with our partners, protect our communities and investigate crime. With this sentencing, it shows Cumbria Constabulary achieving its aims for our communities.

“I ask all companies and charities to be diligent when they take on new clients or staff. Check CVs, follow up references and report any suspicions quickly. Britain’s Energy Coast did this, so we were able to catch Cox. All reports we receive will be treated sensitively and seriously.”