A SCAMMER who Googled ‘How to become a fraudster’ and helped con a Langham roofing company out of £21,900 has avoided jail.

Jack Chapman refused to reveal the names of others he worked with for fear of his safety, it was said at Chelmsford Crown Court, where he was handed a six-month suspended sentence.

The 24-year-old had admitted acquiring criminal property from C&W Industrial Roofing but claimed to have only gained £3,500 which was spent on bills and living expenses.

Sceptical judge Christopher Morgan remarked this was “plainly untruthful”.

He said: “You would feel hard done by if I were to send you immediately to prison for 18 months.

“You would claim you only did this under pressure from a so-called friend.

“You concealed the basis of plea from everyone, made no comments in interview and waited, I have little doubt, to see what evidence the police could put before court.

“When you realised it was compelling, you pleaded guilty.”

The court heard after receiving emails, the company’s finance manager sent payments to what turned out to be Chapman’s personal Barclays account.

The court then heard he immediately began withdrawing and moving funds.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said: “The police investigation showed the email account was made in Bermuda which meant the trail went cold.

“A search revealed Mr Chapman still had the Barclays statement which confirmed the payment and that he was busily carrying out cash withdrawals that morning with the balance being sent elsewhere.

“His phone was seized and there had been searches by him on ‘How to be a credit card scammer’ and ‘How to become a fraudster’.”

The self-employed barber has ten previous convictions for 21 offences which include dishonesty, Mr Gair added.

However, during mitigation, Annie Fraser said Chapman had an “unfortunate history”.

“He’s made considerable progress keeping out of trouble for some years, qualifying as a barber and getting a fixed address.

“This was a blip in a pattern of moving his life in the right direction,” she added.

The court heard there was no hope of the company recovering compensation and therefore, none was awarded.

A Proceeds of Crime Act order was also withdrawn.

Chapman, of Parsons Field, Dedham, must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, 250 hours of unpaid work and also undergo a Thinking Skills programme.