A LANCASTER businessman who went bust and defrauded creditors was jailed for six months last week after the judge told him: "This is a serious case of you wanting to have your cake and eat it."

Preston Crown Court was told that the total amount that Graham Baldwin had deprived creditors of was just over £ 155,000.

Baldwin, 42, formerly of Hest bank Lane, pleaded guilty to two charges of fraudulent disposal of property and three of concealment of property under the Insolvency Act.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, told the court that Baldwin had transferred personal assets to people or a limited company rather than meet his debts in full.

Baldwin's company, Red Rose Glass, supplied and installed UPVc windows manufactured by another Baldwin company, Goldline Ltd.

During the course of its trading history Baldwin had county court judgements against him.

Mr Evans said Baldwin's trading position would have been obvious to him as debts and judgements mounted against him Baldwin had transferred money away from personal property to other destinations.

A bankruptcy order was served on him on October 21, 1998, after which Baldwin transferred cash to his girlfriend after the order was served.

He also failed to disclose a windfall payment from Scottish Widows.

"It was a clear attempts to avoid the legitimate process of bankruptcy," said Mr Evans.

Christopher Hudson, defending, said the case was serious.

Baldwin was of previous good character.

Baldwin Contractors had been set up in 1992 and the business had a £1 million turnover with contracts with Heysham Docks and Courtaulds.

When the contracts were lost Baldwin had his home repossessed.

He was of previous good character and had a good name in the area and was held in high regard.

"He was a man who acted out of desperation and folly rather than greed," said Mr Hudson.

Mr Justice Penry-Davey told Baldwin: "This is a serious case of you trying to have your cake and eat it.

Over a substantial period of time you knew what you were doing."