To the world, Michael Baker has become known as a multi-million-pound fraudster, but to his mum he is just a "lovely boy" who "did not mean any harm".

Baker, from Hollingbourne, near Maidstone was sentenced to three years in prison on Monday, after admitting fraud offences, including persuading a bloodstock agent and trainer to buy racehorses for him, despite not having the money to pay for them.

Baker also admitted fraudulent trading after taking over the lease of a pub and running up debts when the venture failed.

However, according to his mum Lesley Baker, her son needs psychiatric help not prison. She says he has a personality disorder - and this caused him to commit his crimes.

Mrs Baker said: "He says he has a Mike and Michael personality. He says that when he is in a Mike mood he does things."

His close friend Jean Carrol said: "He didn’t go into it to screw anyone over."

• Listen to the Kent Messenger's Helen Wagstaff speaking to Mrs Baker and Michael's close friend Jean Carrol at kentmessenger.co.uk >>>

• For a special report on the case, see this week's print edition of the Kent Messenger.