A Rutherglen worker conned his customer out of over £800.

As we reported last week, Craig Mortimer appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court and sentence was deferred for a social work report to be carried out.

Now, the man appeared at the dock again and the facts of the case were heard.

In June 2022, Mortimer met the client when he agreed to do electrical repairs over the course of two weekends at a Cambuslang property.

On June 7, 2022, he messaged the woman and stated he would require £850 to start the work.

She made a bank transfer to him.

The 42-year-old was due to attend the property on July 9, 2022, but the homeowner was then taken to hospital.

After she was discharged, it was agreed that the work would begin that weekend.

On Sunday, Mortimer did not show up and told the customer that he did a Covid test after a friend tested positive.

On June 18, 2022, he asked for a further £20, which was paid.

He failed to attend as agreed two more times, claiming he and his wife both tested positive for Covid.

When the woman asked for her money back, Mortimer asked if he could complete the work next weekend, saying "I can definitely be there, I promise".

He failed to make it again and the client grew frustrated, repeatedly asking for a refund.

Mortimer said the sum would be sent within 14 days but it never arrived.

After this, he did not respond to calls and messages.

The woman called the police, and Mortimer was arrested.

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He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week after pleading guilty to obtaining money by fraud.

His lawyer said: "He has made a payment since. My firm can send it. I confirm we have it. It’s certain that the complainer will have the money.

"This was never a plan to retain the money. It snowballed with various excuses. He got himself into a financial mess and personal issues.

"He has displayed a degree of remorse. His history with work has been good. This case strikes at the heart of people trusting workmen.

"He should know better as somebody who works in this area. He does apologise."

Sheriff Simone Sweeney sentenced Mortimer to 126 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to repay the £870.