A Lochore businessman faked a robbery to steal thousands of pounds from a client.
Robert Chubb had been hired by the man to pick up and transport a new motorcycle to his home.
But Chubb texted the man from the roadside claiming the cash to pay for the machine had been stolen.
In reality, the 49-year-old had taken the money in a bid to keep his business afloat.
Fake robbery
Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard Chubb was the owner of a transportation firm called UShip.
Fiscal depute Lauren Pennycook said: “The complainer had used the company to purchase a motorcycle in the past without issue.
“He decided to buy a motorcycle from a provider in England.
“He provided £2,000 (to Chubb) for the motorcycle – £120 of that was to pay for transport.
“On February 24 2018 Mr Chubb confirmed he had received the money.
“On March 6 the complainer received a text from Mr Chubb stating that he had been robbed in a layby and they had taken all his cash.”
Despite promises to pay back the cash through his insurance, Chubb failed to reimburse the man.
‘Desperation’
Chubb’s defence lawyer, Matthew Super, said the fraud was borne out of his business worries.
He said: “He says it was very much an act of desperation due to his business struggling.
“He’s damaged his reputation by acting in this way.
“Mr Chubb had held his hands up and accepted full responsibility for this.”
He said his client was willing to repay the cash to his victim.
Chubb, of New Flockhouse, Lochore admitted gaining £2,000 by fraud on February 23 2018.
Sheriff William Gilchrist ordered him to pay £2,000 compensation and fined him a further £500.
