A CONVICTED conman who set up three companies and a string of bogus bank accounts after being declared bankrupt is back behind bars.

Smooth-talking trickster Christopher Poulton, 26, admitted 14 bankruptcy, fraud and money laundering offences between July 30 and October 16 last year.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Robert Davies said Poulton had turned to crime again just days after his release from prison for similar offences. "He was on licence and subject to a curfew. An undischarged bankrupt, he was banned from being a company director for 13 years," he said.

After changing his name to Poulten, the flashy fraudster set up two companies in Bournemouth and one in Southampton.

Using his new alias, he opened four bank accounts and recruited five staff for his Southampton marketing company Kori Grant Ltd.

Poulton applied for a loan to fund a £33,000 car and office equipment.

Mr Davies said: "The loan was still going through when police went to Mr Poulton's home and found out about the bank accounts being opened."

Poulton was released on bail on August 28 but arrested again after his Southampton "staff" alerted police.

Mr Davies said: "One woman was completely lured in by his bluster and bragging; she was sold down the river and did lots of work for him but didn't get paid.

"He persuaded people like her to put their names down as directors. They thought Poulton was a successful businessman from America.

"He promised trips to New York; they ended up humping around furniture into his new offices. He was very persuasive - it was all just hot air."

Mr Davies described Poulton as "a cross between Walter Mitty and David Brent; a very flashy individual with no business ability at all".

Defending Poulton, Michael Tomlinson said: "He fully accepts his foolishness.

"My client was not trying to con people. He was trying to earn a living. In order to obtain employment he had to deceive people. He was in financial difficulties and owed money to his girlfriend and her family. He did not intend to rip off other people."

Jailing Poulton for two-and-a-half years, Judge John Beashel told him: "You are a committed fraudsman, through and through. You have no conscience or common decency."