A MAN tracked down by his victim after handing over a fake £20 note at a Cumbrian fish and chip shop has been jailed.
Craig Roy Osborne, 46, committed the crime at the Horseshoe restaurant in Kirkby Stephen on September 14.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how Osborne handed over crooked cash as he paid for food and drink. He left the property but was swiftly followed by the business owner, who pursued him to a neighbouring village where police were waiting.
Osborne admitted passing a counterfeit currency note, and was jailed for seven months this afternoon (TUES).
Judge James Adkin heard Osborne, of Boggart Hill Crescent, Leeds, had two previous convictions for the same crime.
“It seems to me that the courts must deal with this offending,” said the judge as he passed sentence.
“It is a serious offence. It completely undermines the usual process of legitimate transactions and it encourages crime commission.”
