A CON artist notorious for ordering expensive meals then leaving without paying has been released from prison after he was given “one final chance”.

Homeless man Eric Austin has become so well known for scamming restaurants that Thames Valley Police put up posters bearing his photo across Oxford to warn local businesses.

But after he was released from his latest prison sentence on May 8 he targeted three more establishments and left without paying for £239.55 worth of goods and services.

Prosecutor Mohamed Sheikh said on May 19 the 45-year-old stayed the night at the River Hotel, in Botley Road, and did not pay the £84 fee.

He said Austin then ordered £81 worth of food and drink from the Old Parsonage Hotel, in Banbury Road, and left without paying on June 8.

Mr Sheikh said he then did the same at the Rose Tree Chinese Restaurant, in London Road, on June 12, this time leaving an unpaid £74.45 bill behind.

The prosecutor said on that occasion he was arrested and has been in custody ever since.

Last month officers printed 200 warning signs after Austin was jailed for 10 weeks on April 4 for conning two other city eateries, the Dong Dong Noodle Bar and The Somerset in Marston.

He had just got out of prison for a previous string of offences and had received a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering any premises in Oxford where food and drink can be ordered and consumed before payment.

Yesterday at Oxford Magistrates’ Court, Austin admitted the three most recent counts of making off without payment.

His solicitor Julian Richards said his client had schizophrenia and depression and had previously wanted to be sent back to prison because he had run out of money.

He said: “This is someone who feels he is unable to help himself and he knows prison is somewhere he can get help and get a roof over his head.”

But he told Deputy District Judge Kamlesh Rana that now Austin was claiming benefits and had a chance to turn his life around.

He added: “He seems to be doing much better than he has in the past.”

Judge Rana told Austin he was a “nuisance to small businesses in this area trying to make a living” and added: “This is your final chance.

“I’m sure you’ve had lots of final chances before, but I’m willing to give you another on this occasion, bearing in mind you have just been released from prison and you have made some progress.”

She sentenced him to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, with a supervision requirement, and told him to pay an £80 victim surcharge and a £180 criminal courts charge.

Oxford’s Antisocial Behaviour Officer Pc Mike Ellis said after the hearing: “It is hoped that Mr Austin may finally change his lifestyle and seek the support that is being offered to him. I’m pleased the judge acknowledged the harm being felt by small business people in Oxford.”