CAR clamper Iain Watson has been ordered to complete 160 hours of unpaid work after demanding payment for the release of vehicles despite not holding a licence.

It comes 12 months after he was convicted of 20 offences of false representation in carrying out wheel-clamping and was ordered to pay a total of £8,000 back to his victims.

Crewe Magistrates' Court was told yesterday that Watson was not licensed by the Security Industry Association and was therefore barred from carrying out any regulated activities of that kind.

The 32-year-old, of Crewe, admitted one charge, and was convicted of two further counts of demanding a payment for the release of a device from vehicles in January and February this year.

Watson claimed that although he was present during the incidents, he had no involvement in applying or removing the clamps.

He said he never demanded payment from anyone and alleged that a colleague, Jason Hughes, had carried out the clamping and sought payment.

Prosecutor Neil Audley told District Judge Nicholas Sanders that at Chester Crown Court last year, Watson was convicted of 20 offences of false representation in carrying out wheel-clamping and was ordered to pay a total of £8,000 to his victims.

Mr Audley told the court: "Having gone through those proceedings, he should be really aware of the obligation on him to hold a licence.

"Jason Hughes has been present, but in reality it's been Mr Watson who has been the lead person.

"He has committed offences by demanding and collecting payment for the release of a vehicle that had been clamped."

Colin Drew, mitigating, yesterday told District Judge Sanders that Watson and his wife have been receiving threats on websites and that his van had been vandalised.

He said the motorists who were clamped should not have parked where they did.

Mr Drew added that the likelihood of Watson re-offending is very low as he is now planning to seek alternative work.

District Judge Sanders sentenced Watson to a 12-month community order with 160 hours' unpaid work, and ordered him to pay compensation to two victims of £246.30 and £95 respectively and £600 costs.

He told Watson: "It seems to me after your previous convictions when you transferred your business into your wife's name you were always putting yourself at risk at that stage of incurring the displeasure of the security industry.

"It is clear you retained a clear involvement in the company.

"Through your continued involvement in the business you put yourself at risk. Having said that, what you were doing was not unlawful activity. Clamping, however people dislike it, is not unlawful. The problem is you are not an authorised clamper and you should not have been doing it.

"I urge you to distance yourself from the business you have been involved in. You have no part to play as a wheel-clamper."

Watson declined to speak to The Sentinel after the hearing.