Shameless Liam Harbottle dodges jail despite devastating victims with web of lies and stolen bathroom suites flogged on eBay
A callous conman who preyed on the kindness of trusting customers – including an 85-year-old pensioner – has walked free from court despite swindling victims out of thousands to feed his rampant gambling addiction.
Liam John Harbottle, 41, spun an elaborate web of deceit, posing as a legitimate bathroom fitter while systematically defrauding innocent homeowners across North Yorkshire.
The serial fraudster from Aiskew near Bedale devastated lives with his cruel scam, leaving victims thousands of pounds out of pocket with damaged homes and shattered trust.
In a shocking twist, North Yorkshire Police found that he used alias names and repeatedly changed the name of his business, evading bad reviews and presenting himself as a genuine bathroom fitter.
PREYING ON KINDNESS
The calculating conman’s modus operandi was particularly cruel – bombarding victims with desperate sob stories about unpaid bills and financial hardship to extract advance payments.
The victims received pleading texts from him that he was desperate for advance payments because he had not been paid by previous employers and needed help with his bills.
But investigators uncovered the sickening truth: the investigation found that his requests for money in advance coincided with spikes in his gambling debts.
ELDERLY VICTIM LEFT DEVASTATED
Among his victims was an 85-year-old woman who handed over £2,500 in good faith for a bathroom refurbishment that never materialized.
Despite giving six dates on which he would start the work, he did not turn up to any, and she did not hear from him again.
The vulnerable pensioner was left completely in the lurch, with no bathroom renovation and her life savings depleted.
HOTEL OWNER’S £20,000 NIGHTMARE
In his most brazen con, Harbottle targeted a hotel owner who paid more than £7,500 upfront for multiple ensuite refurbishments.
Adding insult to injury, He also pre-purchased bathroom fittings worth over £5,000 that Harbottle stole and then sold on eBay.
The devastating impact on the business was catastrophic, with The victim also suffered from lost revenue of around £20,000 due to the unfinished or substandard work carried out.
Another victim was left £3,700 out of pocket after paying upfront for a bathroom that was never completed, leaving them with a damaged room and empty pockets.
SUSPENDED SENTENCE SPARKS OUTRAGE
Despite the trail of devastation left in his wake, Harbottle pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft and was sentenced at York Crown Court today, Thursday, June 19.
Astonishingly, The conman was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years – meaning he walked free from court.
He was also ordered to repay the victims a total of £19,231 and carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.
‘NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER’
Investigating officer PC Emily Blackwell didn’t mince words about the shameless fraudster’s behavior throughout the investigation.
“This has been a protracted investigation into Liam Harbottle who presented himself as bathroom fitter and conned vulnerable victims out of money”, she said.
He repeatedly lied in his police interviews which were proved by counter evidence provided by the victims and witnesses.
The officer revealed how financial investigators exposed the true motive behind the cruel deception: “we were able to evidence that Harbottle would dishonestly obtain money from the victims, only to fund his gambling activities.
VICTIMS’ COURAGE PRAISED
PC Blackwell paid tribute to the brave victims who came forward, saying: “The kindness of the victims was completely exploited as he received additional payments by manipulating those generous enough to believe him.
She emphasized the complete lack of contrition from Harbottle: “He has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions and no regard for the financial and emotional impact his fraudulent behaviour has had on those involved”.
The psychological toll on victims extended far beyond financial losses, with PC Blackwell noting: “Not only have they suffered financially but they have also suffered psychological distress, losing trust in people and in some cases, the worry has affected their physical health.
WARNING TO HOMEOWNERS
Police are now warning homeowners to be vigilant against similar scams, emphasizing that Fraudsters can be very convincing and often prey of the good nature and kindness of law-abiding people.
Anyone who suspects they may have been targeted by fraudsters is urged to contact police on 101 or report it to Action Fraud.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gambling addiction – not just on the addict, but on the innocent victims left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and empty bank accounts.
