[A] FRAUDSTER who duped a foreign farmer during an Eden Valley tractor “sale” scam has been spared immediate prison.
Unwitting Slovakian victim Martin Hrvinik was conned out of £18,000 after two tricksters lured him to the UK on the promise of an almost half-price tractor he never got.
During the 2016 cross-border swindle, David Lukac and partner-in-crime Juraj Szajko engaged non English-speaking Mr Hrvinik in a confusing translation exchange. This took place at an entirely innocent Ravenstonedale-based tractor dealership and also involved the oblivious business owner.
Mr Hrvinik was then driven to a bank and paid cash into the account of Lukac’s wife believing it was dealer-bound. But on returning to rural Cumbria the fraudsters fled, leaving their victim tractor-less and stranded having only bought a one-way plane ticket.
As 36-year-old Szajko – who admitted fraud – was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court, a judge learned of the “significant” impact on Mr Hrvinik’s business, personal life and wellbeing. Szajko, 36, was described as “remorseful”.
After hearing mitigation, Recorder Julie Clemitson suspended a two-year prison term for 24 months. Szajko, of Green Hailey, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, must also complete 260 hours’ unpaid work.
Mr Hrvinik’s money was held at the bank and would be returned, the court heard.
*Lukac, 25, of Broad Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, was absent but jailed for 30 months. He was convicted of fraud by a jury, and is said to be at large.
