Police hunting heavy-drinking conman who left £195 bar bill

Police are investigating after a heavy-drinking conman ran up large bar and accommodation bills at pubs and then left without paying.

The man visited the Wyvill Arms in Constable Burton on November 17 and built up a bill of £195.50 in one afternoon.

As well as a steak pie for lunch and a fillet steak for tea, the man drank his way through four bottles of Peroni, 14 vodka and colas, four large white wines, two gins and two pints of Hop House lager.

The Wyvill Arms at Constable Burton.

When asked after finishing the steak if he wanted anything else such as a coffee or dessert, the man asked for a bottle of Prosecco.

The man told staff he was due to meet his wife at the pub but she never turned up.

The man had booked for two nights and stayed at the Wyvill that night, before leaving the following day saying he was going to meet his wife and would be back.

However, he never returned to pay his bill, including accommodation, of £335.50.

Waitress Alice Thompson said the man, who is described as aged in his late 20s or early 30s, tall, with a large build and strawberry blond hair, was chatty and friendly throughout his stay.

She said he didn’t arrive until 11.30am and went to bed at 7.30pm.

A copy of the man’s bar bill.

Landlord Nigel Stevens said they usually take a deposit from guests staying overnight but regrettably did not on this occasion.

He admitted that he had been suspicious at the amount the man was drinking and had checked the car park to see what car the man had been driving.

He saw an expensive Audi and was reassured, not realising this was another customer’s car and the suspect had actually arrived in a 51 reg Vauxhall Corsa.

“I couldn’t believe he was still standing after drinking all that,” Nigel added.

“I’d advise other pubs and hotels to be on their guard.”

Police are investigating if the man left the Wyvill and went to the Countryman’s Inn at nearby Hunton.

The pub has reported that a man left without paying his accommodation, food and bar bill after staying on the Sunday.

Richmondshire Today has also spoken to Dave Bate, landlord of the White Horse in Ripon, who says a man matching this description stayed with them for five nights between November 12 and 16.

The man left without paying his bill of around £500.

Dave said: “The man said his boss would be paying. He’s a pathological liar and clearly a very heavy drinker.”

North Yorkshire Police confirmed they were investigating after a man left a pub in Constable Burton on Sunday, November 18 without making an attempt to pay for his bill.

A spokeswoman added: “The following day, we received a report from staff at pub in Hunton that a man had left without making an attempt to pay for his room, food and alcohol.

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify the man and establish if the two incidents are connected.

“Anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.”

Quote 12180217465 when providing information.

1 Comment

  1. They are likley to be connected given 2 of the incidents happened within 1.5 miles of each other , on the same day and both with a 51 reg blue Cora’s.

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