A managing director who led an “indulgent lifestyle” after defrauding high street banks of more than £98,000 has been given a suspended sentence.

Fraud offences committed by David Bennett, 51, of Hunts Hill Lane, Naphill, started in 1998 and continued through until 2014.

In 1998, he acquired false identification in an alias name and used them to apply for banking services from various high street and online lenders, including current accounts, a personal loan and multiple credit cards in the false identity.

Bennett, a managing director of a telecommunications company based in High Wycombe, used his position to provide documentation to verify the false identity.

The credit accounts were never repaid, leaving a debt of more than £98,000.

He used the money to lead an “indulgent lifestyle” including dining out and making expensive purchases.

Bennett was arrested on December 9, 2014 and was charged on September 26 last year.

At Aylesbury Crown Court on March 22, he pleaded guilty to two counts of having a false instrument with Intent, namely identity documents in an alias, 14 offences of Fraud by False Representation, two counts of making an article for use in fraud, one offence of possession of false identity documents with intent, one count of possession of a false identity documents with intent, and one count of possession of a false identity document.

He was sentenced to two years’ in prison suspended for two years, was ordered to carry out 250 hours community service, and has been ordered to pay compensation to the banks involved for the debts accrued.

Investigating Officer, Det Con Emily Addison of Force CID based at High Wycombe, said: “This was a complex investigation which was reported to us in 2014.

“Further investigation into Bennett, revealed the extent of his fraud against a number of banks.

“Bennett has owned up to his offences and has been ordered to pay back the money he fraudulently obtained from the banks.

“This type of crime will not be tolerated and this case proves that Thames Valley Police will investigate all instances of fraud thoroughly, and bring them before the courts wherever possible.”