Why Did a Former Mercedes Dealer Get Sentenced to 54 Months After Stealing Cars and Fleeing to Cyprus?

A former Mercedes‑Benz trader has been jailed for 54 months after stealing three luxury vehicles and £42,000 from a "long‑standing friend" and fleeing to Cyprus. The case raises the question many ask: what can happen when a car dealer betrays a friendship?

Background of the fraud

Paul Westcott, a 56‑year‑old who previously worked for Mercedes‑Benz, approached Michael Hrycko in 2019 with a proposition. Westcott offered three brand‑new Mercedes and a Range Rover in exchange for three of Hrycko’s part‑exchange cars plus a cash payment of £42,000. The agreement appeared legitimate, given Westcott’s industry experience and the personal rapport between the two men.

How the crime unfolded

Although a delivery date was set, the promised vehicles never arrived. By the end of 2019 Westcott had become unreachable, having left the United Kingdom for Cyprus. He later told the court that an aggressive creditor had seized the cars, a claim the judge rejected as false. Evidence showed that Westcott had actually sold the three vehicles – a Mercedes C220d, a Range Rover and a Mercedes A180 – and kept the cash.

Legal proceedings and previous convictions

Westcott pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of the vehicles and the £42,000, as well as three counts of fraud by false representation. The court heard that he had already been convicted of similar offences in 2012, receiving a suspended sentence at that time. After learning in 2024 that authorities were investigating him, Westcott returned to the UK within 24 hours and was taken into custody for a month while the case proceeded.

Admission of betrayal

During the hearing Westcott’s own legal team described the conduct as a “betrayal of a friendship” and highlighted the unattractive set of facts he faced. Prosecutor Richard Bendall told Oxford Crown Court that Hrycko had regarded Westcott as a trusted friend and felt deeply betrayed by the deception.

Sentencing and the judge’s remarks

Judge Hassan Khan handed down a custodial sentence of 54 months. In his remarks, the judge stressed that Westcott had presented himself as a reputable car dealer and had deliberately exploited his relationship with Hrycko. “This was planned and sustained dishonest conduct,” the judge said, adding that the harm caused was significant and amounted to a serious breach of trust. He also noted Westcott’s attempt to establish a new life in Cyprus to evade justice, describing the behaviour as a long‑standing pattern of dishonesty.

Implications for the motor‑trade sector

The case serves as a stark reminder that car dealers who abuse personal relationships and engage in fraudulent transactions can face substantial prison terms. It also highlights the importance of thorough vetting and clear written agreements when large sums or luxury vehicles are involved. For dealers and consumers alike, the ruling reinforces that the courts will not tolerate the exploitation of trust in the automotive market.

For more insights into the impact of dealer fraud and how to protect your business, explore our related resources and stay updated with the latest industry news.