He is said to have been inspired by the film Catch Me If You Can, in which Leonardo DiCaprio played Frank William Abagnale, who made millions posing as a pilot, doctor and lawyer.

Leonardo DiCaprio as conman Frank William Abagnale in Catch Me If You Can

The boy, from west London, traveled in chauffeur driven limousines, dressed in designer suits and had cases of champagne sent to his home. He set up online businesses, hired staff and sold non-existent goods.

But he was caught after three years of swindles and admitted 16 charges of fraud. Another 105 charges were taken into consideration and at Balham youth court this week he was told he faced jail. Now 16, he cannot be named because of his age.

Using bogus firms, he ran up huge bills at companies such as Harrods, and took "business trips" to Paris and Edinburgh.

He took a secretary to inspect private jets, enjoying the attention of sales staff. When they left, he told her: "I loved them sucking up to me."

The spree began shortly after his mother died of cancer. Some of his inheritance was spent on crime books with tales of successful conmen. He will be sentenced at a later date.

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