PHUKET: A British conman nabbed on Phuket for scamming other expats has been jailed for four years by a judge who told him: ''The only word to describe these offences is despicable.''
''Despicable conman'' Paul Christopher Ridden, 58, who dyed his hair blond to disguise his identity on Phuket, was himself conned by his Phuket victims then arrested in the southern district of Chalong.
As soon as Phuket officers realised he was an international fugitive, Ridden was rapidly deported to Britain.
On Friday, according to British media reports, Ridden was jailed for defrauding neighbors in Britain of 55,000 pounds.
According to a British newspaper, The Argus, Ridden acted as an agent for properties in the British seaside resort of Eastbourne, but according to his defence lawyer, ''ended up in a situation where he was robbing Peter to pay Paul.''
On September 7 last year, Ridden contacted police and admitted he had been showing people properties and accepting deposits . . . even though the people had no chance of moving in.
Released on police bail, Ridden was admitted to Eastbourne District General Hospital with depression.
Depressed he may have been, but the court was told that he quickly took 300 pounds from a woman with mental health problems, 400 pounds from a man who never saw the television set Ridden promised him, and a total of 35,000 pounds from an ill woman he deceived often.
More rip-offs followed before Ridden moved to Phuket. From all reports, his easy-going ways with other peoples' money continued on the holiday island.
On September 6, an Australian named Dennis helped police to structure a ruse to draw Ridden to Chalong police station, where officers arrested him and discovered his precarious status as a 90-day overstayer, with no visa.
A number of people on Phuket are believed to have become Ridden's victims, but it was back in Britain on Friday that his career as a conman came to an end.
Ridden was sentenced over 11 cases of fraud - false representation, three thefts and one count of dishonestly obtaining services. He also had convictions for 38 frauds dating back to 1990, the court heard.
Judge Anthony Niblett told Ridden: ''You are a professional confidence trickster. The only word to describe these offences is despicable.
''The public and particularly the vulnerable need to be protected from you for a long time.''
He may not be seen on Phuket again.
''Despicable conman'' Paul Christopher Ridden, 58, who dyed his hair blond to disguise his identity on Phuket, was himself conned by his Phuket victims then arrested in the southern district of Chalong.
As soon as Phuket officers realised he was an international fugitive, Ridden was rapidly deported to Britain.
On Friday, according to British media reports, Ridden was jailed for defrauding neighbors in Britain of 55,000 pounds.
According to a British newspaper, The Argus, Ridden acted as an agent for properties in the British seaside resort of Eastbourne, but according to his defence lawyer, ''ended up in a situation where he was robbing Peter to pay Paul.''
On September 7 last year, Ridden contacted police and admitted he had been showing people properties and accepting deposits . . . even though the people had no chance of moving in.
Released on police bail, Ridden was admitted to Eastbourne District General Hospital with depression.
Depressed he may have been, but the court was told that he quickly took 300 pounds from a woman with mental health problems, 400 pounds from a man who never saw the television set Ridden promised him, and a total of 35,000 pounds from an ill woman he deceived often.
More rip-offs followed before Ridden moved to Phuket. From all reports, his easy-going ways with other peoples' money continued on the holiday island.
On September 6, an Australian named Dennis helped police to structure a ruse to draw Ridden to Chalong police station, where officers arrested him and discovered his precarious status as a 90-day overstayer, with no visa.
A number of people on Phuket are believed to have become Ridden's victims, but it was back in Britain on Friday that his career as a conman came to an end.
Ridden was sentenced over 11 cases of fraud - false representation, three thefts and one count of dishonestly obtaining services. He also had convictions for 38 frauds dating back to 1990, the court heard.
Judge Anthony Niblett told Ridden: ''You are a professional confidence trickster. The only word to describe these offences is despicable.
''The public and particularly the vulnerable need to be protected from you for a long time.''
He may not be seen on Phuket again.
i wonder what happened to his partner, Mr King?
Posted by johndev on November 16, 2011 11:30