Shrewsbury plumber admits defrauding customers of thousands of pounds
A Shrewsbury plumber has admitted running a fraudulent business to fund gambling.
Robert Bethell, from Vennington Walk, Shrewsbury, pleaded guilty to two offences when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday afternoon - Friday, April 25.
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Bethell, 49, admitted one charge of carrying on a fraudulent business, and another of disguising criminal property.
The court was told the first charge related to Bethell receiving deposits up-front from customers and then failing to provide goods or the services.
Judge Anthony Lowe was told there were 'very clear banking records that show more often than not after money was received the money was fairly shortly dissipated through online gambling websites'.
The court was told the second charge related to Bethell depositing money from customers into his partner's account, then using it for online gambling.
Judge Lowe ordered a pre-sentence report ahead of sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court on July 4.
Addressing Bethell directly he said: "At this stage I will have to say all options are open because I do not know enough about the case to indicate otherwise."