A BARROW fraudster who threw a wallet full of bogus credit cards out of his window as he was about to be arrested has been jailed for two years and four months.

Alexander Akinyele, 37, stole several people's personal details, including those of a 74-year-old man, in order to set up bank and credit card accounts and to buy access to Netflix and Argos, the National Crime Agency said.

Akinyele, of Doncaster Place, Barrow, previously pleaded guilty to 10 fraud offences, a Computer Misuse Act Offence and to possession of a false ID with intent.

He was arrested when NCA officers went to his home in August last year and he threw a wallet containing eight fraudulent credit and store cards and a forged driving licence out of a window.

The subsequent NCA investigation found he had possession of 500 valid usernames and passwords for online Sky accounts and the same number for BT accounts which he had bought on the internet.

Sentencing him at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Heather Lloyd described Akinyele's criminal activity as "a persistent and serious offence".

NCA officer Andrew Shorrock said: "Akinyele used other people's identities for financial gain, including that of a 74-year-old man.

"When Akinyele finally had to accept responsibility himself he resorted to really quite desperate measures, throwing evidence out of the window.

"The effect of ID fraud on victims, who are often the most vulnerable in our society, can last for a long time. But there are simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of being a victim.

"If you would like to learn how to protect your personal details online then visit www.staysafeonline.org or if you feel you have been the victim of fraud visit the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk".