Undercover shop boss helps catch £200k fraudster

Conman called himself 'Cheshire's own Kardashian'

- BY ALEX SCAPENS

A BUSINESSWOMAN went undercover to help snare a conman who described himself as Cheshire’s very own Kardashian and swindled people out of more than £200,000.

Christine Colbert, owner of boutique Dress Cheshire, in Prestbury, was among the victims of fraudster Jack Watkin.

He funded his fantasy Instagram influencer lifestyle by using designer handbag brand Hermes - a make that cannot be bought over the counter but only by invitation - as a ruse to trick people into giving him money.

After he admitted in court to fraud and theft Christine told Good Morning Britain (GMB) of her key role in his downfall. She said that at first she had found him ‘charismatic and charming’ and they successfully did business together.

As the amount involved got higher Watkin kept promising to pay her money he owed but never came through.