Publicans on high alert after con artist targets pub trade

By Robert Mann

- Last updated on GMT

Conman warning: the pub trade is on high alert after a heavy drinking man swindled licensees out of hundreds of pounds
Conman warning: the pub trade is on high alert after a heavy drinking man swindled licensees out of hundreds of pounds
Publicans have been warned to be on the lookout for a heavy-drinking conman who vanishes after running up eye-watering bills during visits.

In his latest spree, the fraudster racked up a hefty food and drink bill of £195.50 after spending the afternoon at the Wyvill Arms in Constable Burton, North Yorkshire.

Excessive binge

The thief enjoyed a steak pie for lunch before tucking into a pricey fillet steak for his dinner.

In an excessive binge, he then guzzled down four bottles of Peroni, 14 vodka and cokes, four large white wines, two gins and two pints of Hop House craft lager.

Staff at the pub said the man then ordered a £23 bottle of Prosecco and drank it all before staggering off to his room.

According to pub management, the man said he was “tired and emotional” after saying his wife had not turned up to meet him as planned – then left in the morning leaving licensees bewildered and severely out of pocket.

A waitress, who served the con artist, described him as being in his late 20s or early 30s and tall, of large build and with strawberry blonde hair.

Déjà vu

Previously, a customer thought to be the same man, had run up an even bigger bill at The White Horse in nearby Ripon, in the Yorkshire Dales.

Landlord Dave Bate said a man matching the description stayed for five nights up until Friday, 16 November, and left without paying his bill of about £500.

“The man said his boss would be paying,” Bate explained.

“He’s a pathological liar and clearly a very heavy drinker.”

The unpaid bill included £400 for his accommodation and £100 for an astounding 25 pints of lager.

“Inquiries are ongoing to identify the man and establish if the incidents are connected,” a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed.

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