A conman who cheated a woman out of money by claiming he would fix her roof after it was damaged by Hurricane Fabian, was remanded in custody at Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Kenneth Faries admitted attempting to defraud Jane Simmons by taking a cheque for $1,861 from her by claiming he would fix her roof on September 8. Faries said he needed the money for materials, but disappeared with the cheque, said Crown counsel Anthony Blackman.

Faries, 34, of Ord Road, Warwick, used the false name of Kevin Moniz and admitted attempting to defraud the woman and of breaking out of Hamilton Police Station on September 13.

He told the court: "The only reason I do stupidness is because of the drugs."

Faries, who has a long list of previous convictions for dishonesty, added: "I just want to get the chance to get to drug court and change my life.

"I just got out of jail six months ago with no money and no place to live."

Acting Senior Magistrate Will Francis remanded Faries in custody until Bermuda Assessment and Referral Centre provide a report.