A FRAUDSTER from Pontypool used his five-year-old son’s details to dupe victims on eBay into buying bogus mobile phones.

Notorious conman Phillip Shortman, of Hillrise in Abersychan, also convinced people to buy fake car parts while he was on bail until he was eventually arrested after tricking a police officer online.

Shortman appeared at Newport Crown Court this morning charged with 10 counts of fraud by false representation relating to a period between May 2013 and January last year.

The court heard how on May 1 the 27-year-old used online auction site eBay to advertise a Samsung Galaxy S4 using his son’s details and managed to trick a woman to part with her money.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones said Shortman placed a false tracking number on a package and, when confronted by the unhappy buyer who was yet to receive her phone, blamed the Royal Mail for “incompetence” and of being “dishonest”.

Three days later, he followed a similar procedure and persuaded another woman to give him £440 for the smartphone, which he did not have.

Following complaints from the women, Shortman was questioned by police on October 29, 2013, but denied any fraudulent activity.

While on bail, the court heard how Shortman continued his offending by offering bogus Suzuki car parts on a similar website.

Mr Jones said the father-of-three succeeded in tricking eight people to part with their money in exchange for non-existent car parts.

One of the victims was a police officer from Essex Police who eventually assisted in the police’s case against Shortman, Mr Jones said.

Shortman maintained his innocence until he pleaded guilty to all counts at the beginning of last month - two weeks before he was due to stand trial.

He had made a total of £2,065 from the ten offences, the court heard.

Nigel Fryer, defending, said: “He is finally beginning to grow up. Much of his offending has its basis on immaturity, a lack of understanding of money, and a selfish need to acquire goods, material things.

“He is beginning to realise the impact it’s having on his family. He is remorseful.”

The court heard how he had 17 convictions for 77 offences, including several similar fraud offences dating back to when he was just 16 years old.

Shortman was bailed by Judge John Jenkins, who will sentence him on Friday.