Pub fraudster appeal on BBC Crimewatch Roadshow

The man, known as David Brown, stays at bed and breakfasts, runs up a bar bill and then leaves without paying for the bill or accommodation.

Crimewatch Roadshow pointed out that pubs had been targeted across the country from Wales to Derbyshire and North West. This included North Yorkshire pubs the Bucks Inn in Richmond and the Royal Oak in Settle.

Sergeant Paul Evans from North Yorkshire Police told the show: “He’s claiming to be looking for accommodation for contractors and checking out the accommodation. He’s given the name Charlie Roost and an address in Bournemouth but we now know him to be David Brown.

“He’s about 6ft tall, speaks with a Scottish accent, he’s got a one-inch scar above his left eyebrow, he’s got the word Norman tattooed on his left forearm and a seven-inch flower which is quite distinctive.”

Evans advised publicans to try to get customers to pay upfront. He added: “If people want to pay by credit card, check the details on the card. Check for ID, and if needs be, take some kind of holding fee for the card so at least if they disappear you’ve got something to fall back on.”

He called for anyone who does see the man to contact the police straight away.

Ian Howarth of the Queens Head Hotel in Buxton, Derbyshire, has been previously targeted by Brown.

He said: “Ninety-five per cent of people are genuine, if you started thinking everyone was like this you would have an empty pub. Being suspicious is difficult. I would advise people to remember his face. He’s a man on a mission.”