Karaoke con is back

The pub karaoke conman has been targeting outlets across the West Midlands, North-West England and North Wales, the Morning Advertiser has learnt.

Last month the MA revealed several licensees around Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, paid money upfront to a firm known as CM Entertainment to host heats of a karaoke competition in August and September.

Hosts were left furious after nobody from CM Entertainment arrived on the agreed night. They said the company boss identified himself as Colin Moore.

A spokesman for Telford police in Shropshire said two licensees have called to report similar incidents involving a man of the same name, who also promised to host live music evenings. Zreen Mkhmoor, of the Red Lion, in Wellington, said she paid £150 for Moore to host a band night on 24 September and a karaoke night on 19 October.

She said: "He came here twice to say he was coming [for the band night] and sent a text message two hours before he was supposed to arrive saying he was going to be there on time. He never arrived and I had four bands booked. I would say he has gone to most of the pubs around here."

Norma Vaughan, who runs two pubs at Prestatyn in Clwyd, North Wales, said: "Seven of our pubs (in the town) were taken for a ride.

"It happened during March and April. There was supposed to be a competition held at different pubs and the eventual winner would get £2,000. Everyone handed over £50."

Vaughan said the man also went by the name DC Moore and sometimes called his company AB Promotions.

Graham Rowson, of the Plungington Tavern, in Preston, Lancashire, said he paid Moore £50 to host a karaoke night at a pre-wedding celebration on 31 August.

"Everyone was really disappointed," said Rowson. "He even phoned on the day and said he would be there."

The Telford police spokesman said officers are investigating the incidents. The MA left a message with Moore but received no reply.

l Have you been targeted by the karaoke conman?

Call John Harrington on 01293 610481.