Fraudster busted listing ex-girlfriend’s apartment on Gumtree to fund holiday

Phillip Allman and his girlfriend dated for six years before splitting last year. Then, the fraudster pulled a truly “underhand” act.

A man has been caught out listing his ex-girlfriend’s flat to rent – before swiping the cash and fleeing overseas.

The bizarre saga began after Phillip Allman and Lucy Sharp ended their relationship last December after six years of dating.

However, the pair remained friends, and Ms Sharp allowed her ex to move into her apartment in Cardiff in Wales temporarily in May this year after his new relationship also ended.

But according to a judge, the 29-year-old abused that generosity by fraudulently listing the flat as available for rent online.

According to Wales Online, Jolanta Goniuch responded to the Gumtree ad that listed the flat at £400 ($A744) a month with a £400 deposit.

Ms Goniuch called Mr Allman and arranged a viewing of the property and was told it would be available from late June.

She transferred £800 ($A1489) into his bank account.

The next day, another victim, Natera Morris, also viewed the property along with her partner Sean Malone and paid a total of £600 ($A1117) to Mr Allman.

Later, another wannabe tenant, Louis Lobina, also paid £600 and promised to send a further £200 ($A372).

In total, he pocketed more than £2000 ($A3700).

Then, on June 10, Mr Allman disappeared. Ms Sharp discovered the con when Mr Malone arrived at her doorstep.

Ms Sharp tried to contact Mr Allman but he ignored her – but luckily, he was eventually caught by police.

Judge Michael Fitton QC ended up sentencing him to one year behind bars.

“The offences for which I have to deal with you are really mean and underhand offences of dishonesty,” he said, according to Wales Online.

“They come from a man who has been committing offences of dishonesty for years and years.

“You were fortunate enough to have a generous friend. You abused her friendship and trust to cheat people out of money.”

Prosecutor Tom Roberts said Mr Allman had abused Ms Sharp’s “act of kindness”.

“She allowed him to stay in her flat with her. She made it clear that this was a temporary arrangement,” Mr Roberts said, according to Wales Online.

“While he had access to the flat he took it upon himself to advertise it for rent.”

Mr Allman admitted three counts of fraud in breach of a suspended sentence.

The victims were repaid all the money paid via bank transfer.

However, Mr Morris and Mr Lobina both also paid £100 ($A186) in cash, which could not be recovered.