Perthshire cowboy builder jailed over £400,000 four-year scam

Patrick Young conned a string of homeowners including a 79 year-old man who was ripped off to the tune of £172,000 and an 84-year-old woman who handed over £132,000.

Young, of Doune, Perthshire, was finally caught in late 2013 after a large police probe. It led to the 56-year-old appearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

He is likely to receive a lengthy jail term, after pleading guilty to 13 charges including fraud and extortion.

The conman was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.

He ran a supposedly legitimate firm called Black Diamond Building Services to con his victims out of £391,677.

Prosecutor David Nicolson said of one victim: “She was appalled at the extent of what was being done. She frequently inquired about costs, but Young was very vague about this.”

Young’s lawyer, Graham Robertson, said the conman is aware the crimes were “extremely serious matters”.

Mr Robertson went on to say Young wanted his bail continued so he could attend his teenage child’s birthday party.

Lord Matthews refused the request and remanded Young in custody.

As well as sentencing next month, Young also faces a further hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act next year.

His three sons – Thomas, 28, William 26, and Michael, 21, – had also faced charges of being involved in the scam, but their not guilty pleas were accepted by prosecutors.