A conman dubbed Champagne Charlie by Scotland Yard detectives is duping businesses out of thousands of pounds.

The fraudster offers crates of bubbly at rock-bottom prices and then vanishes with the cash.

Dozens of embarrassed executives in London's wealthy Chelsea, Victoria and Marylebone districts have been duped and police believe he is now operating in the Brighton area.

Notting Hill CID released details today to warn potential victims.

John Clugston, 57, of Upton Avenue, Southwick, pleaded guilty to three counts of deception and accepted 11 further counts at West London Magistrates Court.

But he failed to show up at Blackfriars Crown Court for sentencing last week.

Detective Constable Mark Stanford, of Brompton CID, said: "We believe he is in the Brighton area and may be targeting local businesses, shops, offices and pubs.

"He is totally convincing and appears very knowledgeable.

"We estimate he has duped businesses and individuals out of tens of thousands of pounds and it is important we catch him before he commits further offences."

Clugston, who often calls himself Nick, is thought to be staying in bed and breakfast accommodation.

He was released from prison in August last year and was the subject of a similar police appeal in 1998.

At least 25 embarrassed executives admitted at the time to being conned by the crook, who tells people he has a few cases of drink left over from an office party.

Detectives said "Champagne Charlie" netted £50,000 in three months by offering to take £100 for a case which would normally cost at least three times as much.