Add me to the list of people conned by this guy!
I agree that Milfan probably didn't want comments either saying about due diligence - I met with Norman in person and seemed like a genuine fellow who wanted to rent some of my equipment.
I'm appealing for anyone who's had dealings with this fellow to get in touch with me - I have made him a nice website:
http://www.normanfowlerconman.co.uk/
I intend to add all information people can give me about experiences they have had with this man.