An investigation by the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, which sparked a trading standards probe, has resulted in a Crown Court conviction for the company exposed.

The Evening Chronicle reported how firms in the North East had handed over cash in return for their business rates being reduced.

Businesses began to complain when, after parting with up to £400, their rates remained unchanged.

Bosses from the firm, Strattons, admitted defrauding thousands of small firms across the country by charging for a service which was not provided.

They are due to be sentenced next month.

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