A rogue tradesman scammed clients out of more than £11,000 before fleeing the country.
Using a fake name, self-employed joiner Ian Wilson introduced himself to potential customers in pubs around Broughty Ferry, between September 2015 and January 2016.
The conman then asked five victims, including an 81-year-old pensioner, to part with thousands of pounds for house renovations that he completed partially or not at all.
When he was rumbled, the 59-year-old left Dundee without a trace and is now in England, where he is said to be living in fear for his safety after receiving threats.
Wilson pled guilty to five charges of fraud amounting to £11,500, involving victims in Broughty Ferry, Monifieth and Edinburgh.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard Wilson currently has £6000 that he plans to return to his victims and is trying to sell possessions to raise the remainder of the money owed.
Prosecutor Howard Duncan said: “In February 2015 he moved to Broughty Ferry.
“Whilst there he met a number of victims while socialising in the local pubs.
“He stated he had moved from the west of Scotland and introduced himself as Ian Howard.”
When one of his new acquaintances said he needed to replace his kitchen and bathroom, Wilson offered him a “good deal”.
He took a £2600 cash deposit for the work on the property at Leemont Drive.
At around the same time the man’s son also asked Wilson to do work on his home in Cross Street and handed over £2200 for a new shower pod.
However, the work was not completed and the shower pod never arrived.
Wilson also took £1000 from an 81-year-old woman for work on her bathroom at Redcastle Crescent, but failed to carry out the renovations or supply the building materials promised.
Other victims included a woman from Waterside in Monifieth, who was defrauded of £2700, and a woman from Abercorn Terrace, Edinburgh, who lost £3000.
When the victims tried to contact Wilson, who had been staying at Abertay Guest House, they could not reach him on his mobile phone and hotel staff told them he had checked out.
His exact whereabouts were not revealed publicly in court due to “threats to his wellbeing”.
Defence solicitor Judith Hutchison said: “He did have a period of custody in 1992.
“He suffers from anxiety and potential heart issues.
“His partner was involved in a serious car accident and he is looking after her, her home and her dog.”
Sheriff Carmichael deferred sentencing for background reports until March 2 and told Wilson that he is facing jail but alternatives may be considered.
