Janice Quinn, from Dunfermline, was falsely informed by Derek McCafferty that planning permission had been granted for plans to build an extension at her home but no application had even been submitted.

The homeowner first became aware of the problems when a neighbour wanted to know why they had not been told building was planned.

McCafferty, 43, also from Dunfermline, admitted at the town’s sheriff court that between January 30 and May 12 at Glenvaros, Carnock Road, Dunfermline, he pretended to Janice Quinn that he would carry out works including applying for planning permission and a building warrant, stated that he had obtained planning permission from Fife Council and produced false documentation stating planning permission was granted, knowing this not to be the case and obtained £1,162 by fraud.

Depute fiscal Anthony Steele told the court that the victim had engaged the services of McCafferty as an architectural technician after he had been recommended to her.

He claimed planning permission had been granted but, following an inquiry by a neighbour, Ms Quinn checked the reference number given to her and discovered it related to another property.

Ms Quinn contacted Fife Council who confirmed there was no planning permission for her extension and advised her to contact the police.

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a 300-hour community payback order.