A NOTORIOUS fraudster who conned desperate homeowners was out on home leave - just four years into his 11-year jail-term.

Edwin McLaren was today back at the High Court in Glasgow, where he was locked up in 2017 for a £1.6m property scam following Scotland's longest criminal trial.

The 56 year-old was representing himself at a confiscation hearing as prosecutors seek more than £2m from McLaren and his wife Lorraine.

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He is currently serving his sentence in Castle Huntly open prison in Perth and Kinross.

But, McLaren - wearing a pin-striped jacket, blue shirt, jeans and trainers - arrived for the hearing on his own before briefly addressing judge Lord Arthurson from the well of the courtroom.

After the case was further adjourned, the crook tried to dodge a press photographer by hiding behind a pillar before eventually leaving the building clutching a bag.

He made no comment other than to claim he would give his "story" once the case was finished.

One onlooker who recognised him later said: "It was a big shock to see McLaren sauntering about, chatting away when he got 11 years not so long ago. His victims will be stunned."

It is thought McLaren had been on home leave from Castle Huntly since the weekend.

His mother is also believed to be ill.

He previously lived in a mansion in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, but it is not known where he has been staying since he was out.

McLaren is expected to return to jail later this week.

He was jailed four years ago after being convicted of 29 charges following a trial spanning 320 days.

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The then Bentley-driving conman preyed on vulnerable people by arranging to have the deeds to their houses transferred to his associates without their knowledge.

Victims were left out of pocket and sometimes homeless to fund McLaren's lavish lifestyle.

His 55 year-old wife Lorraine was jailed for 30 months in 2017 after she was convicted of money laundering and mortgage fraud.

She has since been freed, but was not present at the hearing today, where she was represented by lawyers.

Prosecutor Murdoch MacTaggart today said the "criminal benefit figure" the Crown now seek from McLaren is £1.72m.

The sum for his wife is £694,950.

The court heard further investigations remain to be carried out.

Mr MacTaggart said information relating to the case would be passed to McLaren who would be "available by email until tomorrow".

Lord Arthurson adjourned the hearing until next month.