Fraudster tricks five would-be tenants in Broughty flat scam

OFFENCE: Conman tricked women out of cash deposits they thought would secure the property

A serial fraudster has been warned he faces jail time after admitting scamming would-be tenants out of more than £2,000.

Edward Laing, who told Dundee Sheriff Court his surname is now Crawford, conned five people into sending a total of £2,300 in the belief they were securing a flat in St Vincent Street, Broughty Ferry.

Laing, of Back Dykes in Auchtermuchty, pretended to be called Gary Brogan and advertised the property on Gumtree.

The 36-year-old duped two women out of £450, which they believed to be a deposit to secure a tenancy for the flat.

Laing also pled guilty to convincing another pair to transfer £450 each to him under the same pretext.

Another victim transferred £950 to an account to cover a deposit and one month’s rent for the Broughty Ferry flat.

All the offences took place between May 16 and June 21 2018.

“Witnesses met the accused and believed this was a genuine flat to be released and agreed to rent the flat individually. PROSECUTOR CAROL DOHERTY

The property had been owned by its actual owner since 2017. Laing rented the flat from the owner, but had no authority to sublet it.

The court heard that Laing had been failing to pay rent to the landlord.

Prosecutor Carol Doherty said: “Around May 2018, a male known as Gary advertised the flat and said a deposit would have to be paid.

“Witnesses met the accused and believed this was a genuine flat to be released and agreed to rent the flat individually.

“They put down a deposit with the accused.”

The court heard that Laing has at least two other fraud offences, as well as convictions for breaching bail and probation orders.

He has previously served a prison sentence because of his convictions.

Laing’s defence solicitor said the Fifer had two jobs and that he had turned his life around since the offences.

Sheriff Drummond said: “You have pled guilty to serious charges and you have convictions of similar offences.

“It is quite likely, in my view, that you will be sent to jail for this but I will get a report and find out what has been happening in the last couple of years.”

Sheriff Drummond deferred sentence until March 6 for social work reports to be prepared.

Laing’s bail was continued.

A trial date for another matter was also set for June 8.