A fraudster escaped from jail after fooling prison staff into believing he had been released on bail, a court heard.

Neil Moore, 28, was on remand at Wandsworth prison in south west London, when he sent a letter to prison officers posing as the court service.

In it, he claimed that he had been granted bail, ensuring he was able to walk out of prison, London’s Southwark crown court heard.

But according to Chloe Gardner, Moore’s lawyer, he had “a change of heart” three or four days later.

“He spoke to his instructed solicitor and surrendered himself,” she said.

Judge John Price said: “He does it and then regrets it – realises it is a silly thing to do.”

Moore had been on remand, accused of five counts of fraud, before he made his escape.

He posed as a member bank staff from Barclays, Lloyds and the Bank of America to dupe major organisations such as Cambia Autos and Thomas Global Exchange into handing over £1.5m-2m between February 2012 and November 2013.

Moore was remanded in custody in relation to these offences on 21 January 2014, but by 10 March had set up a website and corresponding email account purporting to be the Prison Service.

Ian Paton, prosecuting, told the court: “He acquired bail forms that he adapted for his purposes.”

But within a week of his escape, he was back before a judge remanded in custody and sent to a high-security wing at Belmarsh prison.

Speaking after the hearing, DI Chris Soole said: “This is a very intelligent fraudster. He was very apt at committing a number of different frauds across the globe.

“This investigation shows the Metropolitan police’s commitment to investigating fraud and ensuring justice for victims.”

Moore, from Ilford in Essex, admitted five counts of fraud and one count of escape from lawful custody.

He will be sentenced on 27 March.

