Fraudster strikes again
David Aves
A SERIAL fraudster, who once faxed his way out of prison, was back in court yesterday for fraud.
David Christopher Aves, 53, was jailed for four-and-a-half years in 2009 after netting an estimated £163,000 by theft and fraud, including deals with farmers over farm equipment.
But Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday how, since his release, he had conned two farmers out of nearly £2,000 by claiming to have milking parlour spares.
Aves, of Freewood Street, Bradfield St George, had previously pleaded not guilty to two charges of fraud by dishonestly receiving payment for goods with no intention to supply them and was remanded in custody. But he changed his plea to guilty via video link from jail.
Rosalind Cappleman, prosecuting, said that in November 2011 a Yorkshire farmer had answered an advertisement in an agricultural equipment magazine for milking machine spares.
He spoke by phone with Aves, who claimed to be a dairy engineer. “At no time did the victim doubt his credentials,” she said.
Aves said he had the parts the farmer needed and agreed a fee of £344.40. He later contacted the victim saying the cheque had been cashed and the parts would be there in three to five days.
Mrs Cappleman said: “He received a package but it contained junk, not what he wanted, with a value of about £35.”
She said the second victim placed an advertisement for milking parlour equipment and Aves called him to say he had the goods. The farmer paid £1,596 but did not receive the parts.
Aves then said he would deliver them himself but there followed ‘a catalogue of excuses for not delivering.”
Mrs Cappleman said Aves had 15 previous convictions for 152 offences, including fraud.
The case was adjourned for seven days for the preparation of reports by the probation service.
In 1995 Aves was released from Norwich Prison after faxing forged release papers. In 2008 he went on the run from Hollesley prison.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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