A gambling conman who claimed to be a professional bathroom fitter defrauded customers out of thousands of pounds, including a pensioner and a hotel owner who lost £20,000 as a result.

Liam John Harbottle, 41, of Aiskew near Bedale, previously from Ripon, took thousands in advance payments from customers but failed to complete the work.

North Yorkshire Police found that he used alias names and repeatedly changed the name of his business, evading bad reviews and presenting himself as a genuine bathroom fitter.

The victims received pleading texts from him that he was desperate for advance payments because he had not been paid by previous employers and needed help with his bills.

However, the investigation found that his requests for money in advance coincided with spikes in his gambling debts.

In one case, an 85-year-old woman gave him £2,500 to refurbish her bathroom, which he failed to fit.

Despite giving six dates on which he would start the work, he did not turn up to any, and she did not hear from him again.

Another victim paid over £7,500 upfront for multiple ensuite refurbishments in his hotel.

Liam John Harbottle

He also pre-purchased bathroom fittings worth over £5,000 that Harbottle stole and then sold on eBay.

The victim also suffered from lost revenue of around £20,000 due to the unfinished or substandard work carried out.

Another customer paid £3,700 upfront for a bathroom that was never completed.

The victim was left with a damaged room and £3,700 out of pocket.

Harbottle pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft and was sentenced at York Crown Court today, Thursday, June 19 .

The conman was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to repay the victims a total of £19,231 and carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Investigating officer, PC Emily Blackwell said: “This has been a protracted investigation into Liam Harbottle who presented himself as bathroom fitter and conned vulnerable victims out of money.

“He repeatedly lied in his police interviews which were proved by counter evidence provided by the victims and witnesses.

“Thanks to our financial investigators, we were able to evidence that Harbottle would dishonestly obtain money from the victims, only to fund his gambling activities.

“The kindness of the victims was completely exploited as he received additional payments by manipulating those generous enough to believe him.

“Today, justice has been served from the sheer determination of the victims, in the hope that no other person suffers at the hands of his deceit.

“He has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions and no regard for the financial and emotional impact his fraudulent behaviour has had on those involved.

“The victims and witnesses in this case have showed admirable perseverance throughout and I am grateful for their patience and assistance to secure this conviction.

“Not only have they suffered financially but they have also suffered psychological distress, losing trust in people and in some cases, the worry has affected their physical health.

“I hope the outcome today helps them all to put this very distressing time behind them.”

Fraudsters can be very convincing and often prey of the good nature and kindness of law-abiding people.

You can report fraud by calling 101 or visit Action Fraud.