AN undischarged bankrupt who unlawfully took part in running a civil engineering company in Newport was sentenced to a community punishment order.

Kevin Martin, 49, of Western Avenue, Newport, was also disqualified from acting as a company director for five years.

He was said to have benefited to the extent of £547,705 from his illegal activities but, it was stated he had no assets and an order was made for him to pay a nominal compensation of £1.

It was stated that the costs of the case came to £4,800 and took 140 hours to investigate. At Cardiff crown court, he was ordered to pay costs limited to £800 at the rate of £80 per month.

Martin had been convicted by Abergavenny magistrates of being concerned in the management of Vixen Flag Limited of Newport when an undischarged bankrupt and had been committed to the crown court for sentence.

Judge Philip Richards told Martin "This was in my judgement serious criminal behaviour. You were bankrupt and you knew your responsibilities.

"You ran up a considerable amount of debt causing traders and the public to suffer considerably."

Richard Atkins, prosecuting, said that a bookkeeper at the company worked with Martin and he would order materials and equipment and was in control of organising contracts and hiring and firing staff.

"He was definitely the boss" said Mr Atkins.

He became bankrupt in May 2000 and he was warned of his duties and responsibilities and signed documents to that effect.

"He took a leading part in that company, he crossed the line and assumed the pivotal position."

That, said Mr Atkins, he was unable to control his finances and became involved in a number of failed ventures.

Martin's counsel, Roger Griffiths, said he didn't trade or make any profits. It was accepted that he was a guiding light."

"He is currently in a parlous financial position and his house is in negative equity."