Police on trail of non-paying artist
Police in Gloucestershire are looking for a man claiming to be an artist who has walked out of several hotels without paying.
The case was brought to the attention of police by Erik Burger, general manager of the Old Farmhouse Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold.
Mr Burger said the man had first been a guest last summer, asking if he could do odd jobs in return for a cheap room and a daily meal. He claimed this would enable him to spend time painting in the area. "We declined his offer and he left, paying his bill in full," he said.
When, on his second stay, he departed with an unpaid bill for £175, police investigations revealed he was wanted for a string of similar offences.
Mr Burger described him as "a nice and friendly single gentleman", aged about 55, about 6ft 6in tall with a slim, wiry build and short, grey hair. He drives a silver Ford Orion.
If you can help with the case, contact Erik Burger on 01451 830232, or PC Rod Wells at Stow-on-the-Wold police station on 01451 830618.
