Fugitive who conned OAPS nicked after doing runner from hotel

A NOTORIOUS conman ripped off a hotel while on the run.

- BY MICHAEL MCQUAID

Gerry Meechan skipped bail on fraud charges and enjoyed a three-month stay at Castlecary House Hotel before leaving without paying a four-figure bill.

The 54-year-old was caught six months later after a high-speed police chase. He has now admitted a string of charges at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Meechan, who posed as a builder, conned householders despite having been hit with a UK-wide unfair trading ban. An arrest warrant was issued after he failed to attend court on fraud charges last year.