A serial fraudster left a trail of debt across the island after enjoying the high life at a string of hotels and bars with accommodation, food and drink - and paying for none of it.

Unemployed Thomas Nigel Luke Samsworth started his deception on March 15 at the Welbeck Hotel after arriving in the island from his home at Meadow Close, Farmoor in Oxford.

The 32-year-old had bed and breakfast, drinks and snacks valued at over £83 after telling staff he was locked out of his flat and would settle up later. On Friday, March 17, he racked up a bill for £119 for drinks and snacks at the Empress Hotel. He then moved on to the Mannin Hotel where he stayed for two days, telling staff his brother was coming over and would settle the bill but his boat was delayed by bad weather. Samsworth absconded leaving behind a bill for more than £521.

The free tour of the island’s holiday accommodation took him next to the New Manilla restaurant and hotel where once again he claimed to have been locked out of his flat, gaining a £65 room for the night.

Next it was north to the Sulby Glen Hotel where he racked up a bill for £162 for bed and breakfast, food and drinks.

Scaling back operations somewhat, he visited the Mitre in Ramsey, and left owing them £6.50 for two pints of cider.

Next on the itinerary was the Shore Hotel in Laxey, which he left a £32 drinks bill unpaid, then the Falcon’s Nest in Port Erin, where an £86 bill for bed and breakfast and drinks also went unpaid.

Last stop on the tour was the Sefton Express at Ronaldsway, where he enjoyed food and drink to the value of £10.25, telling staff his friend was returning to the island on a flight shortly and would settle up the bill when he arrived.

Prosecutor James Robinson told Douglas magistrates Samsworth had actually stayed two nights at the Mannin Hotel after claiming the boat was cancelled, delaying him settling his bill. He said the defendant was apparently generous, splashing out on drinks for staff and other residents, but no bank card had been retained from him behind the counter.When asked about it he was ’evasive’ Mr Robinson said.

On occasions he used an assumed name and at the New Manilla, he provided an address - but it was illegible.

At the Falcon’s Nest, he left saying he was going to draw out money to pay his bill, and did not return. CCTV pictures of him were circulated on social media and an alert police woman arrested him after spotting him in Castletown on March 21.

He admitted 13 offences of obtaining by deception or making off without payment, totalling £1,089.

He was remanded in custody to May 4 for sentencing.