A FRAUDSTER who was ordered to pay his victims back has been slammed by a sheriff for not making any payments.

Cranhill man James Adair scammed a total of £8891 from five different people by taking payments for landscaping work he failed to carry out.

The 39-year-old appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court in July last year to be sentenced, but sheriff Patricia Pryce deferred the hearing for six months so Adair could have the chance to repay his victims.

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At the time, she told him: “This offence meets custody. You seem to suggest for some people this wouldn’t have an impact because they’re rich.

“I will allow you the opportunity to make repayment and I expect a substantial amount of this to be paid off when you’re back.

“If you don’t make repayment then all options remain open, and these include custody.”

On Friday, Adair was back in the dock.

His lawyer explained that she believed he hadn’t paid any money back but that he had £520 with him that day.

Sheriff Pryce said: “Does he want to go to jail? He managed to defraud thousands from people – vulnerable people, and he can’t pay them back.”

His lawyer replied: “He is remorseful."

But the sheriff said: “Not remorseful enough to save up money."

She added: “These were on the whole, older, or vulnerable victims, and he defrauded them of thousands of pounds, and he’s not paid one penny back.

“Does he understand he can get consecutive sentences for each charge?”

Adair’s lawyer replied: “Yes, he’s very anxious."

Sheriff Pryce said: “He should be anxious. It was made very clear to him if he didn’t pay any money he was going to jail.

“I was amazed this was a summary complaint to start off with. He was quick enough to take other people’s money, kept it and used it. He’s had six months to make a difference here.

“I will defer sentence again. Everything will be back on the table.”

Sentencing was deferred for the Crown to provide an update on payment which was not available on the day, and to obtain a social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

Adair will return to court next month.