By Keith Hunt

The boss of a scam manufacturing thousands of fake £1 coins on an industrial estate has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Stephen Silk was arrested after police raided a unit at secluded Tonge Corner, near Sittingbourne, and found 8,000 counterfeit £1 coins in a concealed area.

There was also sophisticated equipment and 14,000 metal discs ready to be turned into the dud currency.

Gambling addict Silk, of Wises Lane, Borden, admitted making counterfeit coins with intent and having custody or control of counterfeiting materials with intent.

A judge said it was a commercial enterprise of a criminal nature which was sophisticated and substantial.

It was pure speculation, he said, as to how many of the coins had been manufactured over a two-year period.

Silk’s father Michael, 70, of Sanderling Way, Iwade, and Paul Bert, 65, of Boreham Wood, Hertfordshire, were previously cleared of involvement in the crime.

Police raided the unit, rented by Silk, 49, since 2003, on May 13 last year and discovered the 8,000 coins in a hidden void.

Andrew Forsyth, prosecuting, told Maidstone Crown Court that Silk was one of two men inside. He was wearing rubber gloves.

"The void was extremely well disguised and hidden," he said. "It was behind a false wall and hidden behind a desk.

"When police entered they found a fully functioning dye stamping machine and pressing machines to stamp the coins.

"There was a further machine to add the edging details to the coins.

"A search of the premises revealed numerous items used in the production of the coins, including coin and dye moulds and some specialist plaster."

Mr Forsyth told Judge Philip Statman: "The Crown say there was evidence from neighbours that only three people were visiting the premises with any regularity.

"Stephen Silk was known to the neighbours as being the main person there."

Silk had previous convictions for dishonesty and served prison sentences.