Fife man accused of targeting pensioners in ‘bogus workman’ scams
A Fife man has appeared in court accused of defrauding thousands of pounds from pensioners in ‘bogus workman’ scams.
The alleged incidents took place in Rosyth, Crossford and Kirkcaldy between March and this month.
William McPhee is facing nine charges and on three of them his brother Hughie McPhee is a co-accused.
William McPhee (32), of Thornton Wood, Kelty, appeared from custody.
Hughie McPhee (18), also of Thornton Wood, did not appear and a warrant was granted for his arrest.
William McPhee denied all the charges when he appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.
He is accused of obtaining £1600 by fraud from a 66-year-old man in Castlandhill Road, Rosyth, on March 1st and 2nd.
He told the man work was required to his roof and obtained money for a job that was not completed and was not necessary in the first place.
On 2nd May it is alleged that McPhee returned the same house and told the man further work was required and attempted to obtain another £1600 by fraud.
On 24th March, at Bogwood Drive, Crossford, it is alleged both brothers, acting together, obtained £1000 from a woman after telling her the roof of her home was infested with woodworm.
On 6th April, in Edzell Park, Kirkcaldy,it is alleged that William McPhee pretended to a couple aged 78 and 73 that their roof needed repairs and obtained £1900 by fraud.
It is further alleged that McPhee, as a trader, engaged in aggressive commercial practices by demanding more money than had been agreed.
McPhee is further accused of stealing £500 in an envelope from this couple.
On 22nd April in Harley Street, Rosyth, it is alleged that both brothers acting together obtained £1200 by fraud from an 86-year-old man by telling him his roof needed repaired.
They are also accused of stealing an envelope containing £1200 from this man.
On 23rd April at Beechbank Crescent, Kelty, it is alleged that William McPhee smashed the rear windscreen of a car.
Trial was set for 12th June and depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf opposed bail, saying, “The charges are particularly unpleasant. The victims are elderly and it’s the bogus workman type of offences. There is a high risk of re-offending.”
Sheriff Robert Dickson refused to grant bail saying, “The nature of these charges is particularly nasty.” McPhee will remain in custody until the trial.
