A FRAUDSTER guilty of an alcohol duty scam totalling nearly £10,000 has been ordered to explain himself after coming up with a trio of different stories about the fiddle.

Greenock man Muhammad Ahmad told the sheriff court that multiple pallets of vodka didn't belong to him despite them being seized from his van, which he was driving when stopped by police.

But in a different version of events, he explained to officers on the day of his arrest that he'd bought the booze from a cash and carry.

He then changed his account and said that the vodka was counterfeit and that he'd paid someone £2,000 for it.

Ahmad, of the town's Kilcreggan View, has pleaded guilty to having been knowingly involved in the evasion of duty on the haul of Glen's vodka to the tune of £9,001.37.

The figure was originally put at £14,588.42 but this was reduced following talks between defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher and prosecutors.

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre has now ordered a further calling of the case, known as a proof in mitigation, to get to the nub of Ahmad's position regarding the offence.

Solicitor Mr Gallagher said: "He says that the vodka was not his, but that it was found in his van and he was driving the van and in possession of it at the time."

However, fiscal depute Jennifer McKee told the court: "He initially advised police that he'd bought the vodka from a cash and carry the day before.

"He then changed his story to say that he paid £1,000 per pallet and that the vodka was fake."

Sheriff McIntyre remarked: "He now has three explanations.

"I am minded to fix a proof in mitigation."

Ahmad was stopped by police in Port Glasgow on June 18, 2017.

He admitted a charge of having 'intent to defraud Her Majesty' of the duty liable on the merchandise.

The proof hearing has been set for June 19.