A CLYDEBANK man pretended to be his former partner so he could get loans to feed his gambling addiction.

Paul Davidson obtained the cash over six months in 2016 and early 2017 from three separate finance companies.

The 30-year-old, of Orbiston Place, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday after pleading guilty to obtaining the money by fraud from Satsuma Loans, Instant Cash Loans and Safety Net UK.

He admitted using his former partner’s name in communication with the three firms, inducing them to pay sums into an account in her name, but which he was operating.

Sentence on Davidson had been deferred for a background social work report.

Davidson’s solicitor, Phil Lafferty, told Sheriff William Gallacher: “His former partner had provided the facility of the account of her own volition, for the purpose of having money put in from his work.

“He was in the grip of a gambling addiction, and he has indicated to me that the extent of that was substantial.

“That has now been addressed, and his indebtedness has been resolved.

“His former partner has not shouldered any of the financial burden from his activities, so whoever is out of pocket, it’s not her.”

Mr Lafferty, however, said it would require “some effort” on Davidson’s part to fully repay the companies from whom he obtained the cash.

“There may be some wrangling over interest, fees and charges,” he admitted. “They may decide they’re due more than the principal sum.”

Sheriff Gallacher replied: “He didn’t steal her identity, but he did steal the use she had of that asset.

“Somebody’s out of pocket, and Mr Davidson needs to give it back.”

Davidson originally faced a more serious charge of obtaining £6,748 from eight separate finance companies, but his plea of guilty to obtaining a lesser sum of £1,400 from three firms was accepted by the Crown.

Fiscal depute Kara Watt told the court she had nothing to add to the terms of the charge admitted by Davidson.

Turning to address Davidson directly, the sheriff said: “This is a very serious matter indeed. You have abused a position of trust, and at the very least you will pay back the money you got improperly.”

Sentence was deferred until February for Davidson to be of good behaviour and for him to resolve the issue of the outstanding money.