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A PILOT has been convicted of selling bogus degrees for the "University of Yorkshire" from his spare room. He charged Pounds 318 for degree courses and an extra Pounds 54 for honours, Harrogate magistrates were told. He advertised from his home, which he named Old College Hall.

Kevin Stevens admitted using the word "university" without the consent of the Privy Council and four charges of granting fictitious degrees and making false statements by claiming he could grant "university degrees by correspondence".

At least nine would-be students received course notes and textbooks before the scam was uncovered by trading standards officers. The case was adjourned for probation reports.