Scammer given three years after taking thousands from victims before vanishing
David Meikle A notorious fraudster dubbed King Con after scamming thousands from unsuspecting victims has been jailed.
Alexander Clark, 54, ripped off customers after promising to complete more than £16,000 worth of building work on people’s homes.
The serial swindler took orders for construction work in Lanarkshire and Glasgow but then vanished, leaving furious homeowners out of pocket.
Cowboy builder Clark, who has a string of convictions for dishonesty and fraud, conned one couple out of their life savings after promising to renovate their home.
He told John Tennant, 65, and Susan Strain, 67, he would build a porch and complete guttering work at their home in Hamilton in 2016. But after taking £10,000, he disappeared. They called in police and Clark was arrested.
It later emerged he had conned other customers in Glasgow and Lesmahagow out of £6666 for shoddy work.
Clark, of Be l l sh i l l , Lanarkshire, who is already serving a 27-month sentence for fraud offences, appeared from custody at Airdrie Sheriff Court.
He was jailed for three years by Sheriff Morag Shankland, who branded him a “thoroughly dishonest man”.
The court was told Clark – who posed as A l i s t a i r Campbel l – was operating under the company name All Trades when he f leeced his victims.
Prosecutor Agnes Meek told how John and Susan had fallen victim to the ruthless rogue.
She said: “It was clear the work was not up to standard and he indicated he had another job to do.
“He failed to attend and would give many excuses before stopping all contact.
“As a result of the poorquality work, four ceilings collapsed.”
The court also heard how Clark ripped off Colin Gallagher, of Lesmahagow, in 2017.
Meek added: “He met with an Alistair Campbell of All Trades, who he later identified as the accused, and paid £700.
“The accused dropped off two men, who put a few posts in the ground. More money was paid but no work was ever completed.”
Sheriff Shankland told Clark: “Your record is appalling and the offences have caused a great deal of concern to the persons involved as well as the financial loss they have suffered.”
The conman – who has more than 20 criminal convictions – has been repeatedly exposed by the Sunday Mail since 1991.
Clark’s sentence will begin when his 27-month term ends in June.