Conman’s victim sues for £140,000

Jan 19 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Conman’s victim sues for £140,000

A VICTIM of conman Stuart Smith has launched a court bid to sue him for more than £140,000.

Malcolm Blower, 59, has started civil proceedings after Smith admitted conning him out of £40,000.

Smith, 39, pleaded guilty to obtaining a money transfer from Mr Blower by deception at Bradford Crown Court last week.

Mr Blower paid Smith the money for the lease and “goodwill” of the Winterburn pub in Cyprus in August 2006 on the understanding it included the fixtures and fittings.

He later found out the items were stolen from the Winterburn pub – in Calderdale.

But Smith said Mr Blower hadn’t lost out – because Daniel Thwaites brewery had let him keep the stolen items.

“The idea that I have ruined his life is ridiculous,” he said.