Anotorious fraudster who flew round the world and splashed out on fine dining in the West End while owing taxpayers tens of millions of pounds in an unpaid court order is facing prison after being convicted of a Covid loan scam.

Gerald Smith, who has already served two prison sentences for fraud, was found guilty at Southwark crown court of cheating the public by taking out a £50,000 “bounce-back” loan during the pandemic to pay the legal fees of one of his closest associates.