A prisoner who absconded just days before being considered for early release claimed he was being bullied and intimidated.
Kenneth Tait failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly, near Longforgan, following a day trip to Edinburgh on June 25.
The 47-year-old, who was jailed for six years in 2011 after duping a series of women out of £155,000, met a friend and told him that he had no intention of going back as he feared for his safety.
When Tait failed to return to Castle Huntly as previously agreed, a warrant was issued for his arrest, Perth Sheriff Court heard.
He was eventually traced on July 12 at a park in Edinburgh.
Sentence was deferred until next Wednesday to allow a report to be obtained from the prison governor.
