A SCAMMER fraudulently advertised three flats for rent on Facebook Marketplace, a court has heard.

David Michael Russell put the flats up for rent when he did not have the authority to do so.

Russell, who has appeared before Swindon’s court multiple times in recent months, has pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud by false representation.

He admitted that between November 1 and December 1, 2020, he fraudulently advertised a flat on Faringdon Road four times.

Then between September 20 and October 1, he advertised a flat on Groundwell Road for rent.

The charge states he intended to gain a total of £1,950.

Between September 27 and October 4, he advertised the same flat, intending to gain £1,300.

Finally, between September 29 and October 7, he advertised a flat in Stanmore Road, Birmingham, intending to gain £1,190.

Russell, of Lockeridge near Marlborough, appeared in court charged with the offences last week, and the case was adjourned until June 24.

Judge Jason Taylor QC ordered a pre-sentence report for the 34-year-old, who was representing himself.

He was released on conditional bail.