Online lothario faces new charges

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A fraudster who conned women looking for love online out of thousands of dollars has today been accused of four new crimes.

Paul Abbott, 28, appeared from custody at Christchurch District Court to be sentenced on four dishonesty charges.

However, the court was told that Abbott, previously dubbed "the modern Artful Dodger" by a judge, faces four new charges after more female victims came forward.

His next court appearance will be on November 24.

Abbott has been convicted on three charges of obtaining by deception and one charge of unlawfully converting a motor vehicle.

The court was earlier told how Abbott befriended four women on internet dating websites.

He would enter into relationships with them before convincing them to lend him money or, in one case an Isuzu Big Horn, which they would never see again.

In 2008, Abbott was convicted on theft and drugs charges, and during sentencing at Invercargill District Court judge Brian Callaghan likened him to the Artful Dodger - the Charles Dickens' character who built up trust with people before stealing from them.