A “fake beggar” who claimed he was homeless while pestering people for money for years in Putney High Street was actually living in a plush £300,000 Fulham flat.

Simon Wright, 37, would sit outside NatWest bank (below), near Putney station, with his dog and ask the public for money.

To complete the deception he even wore ragged clothes and had a hand-written sign which stated that he was homeless and hungry.

But after a hard day’s begging Wright would pack up his sleeping bag and, instead of heading to a shelter, he would make his way across Putney Bridge to his comfortable flat in Simms Court, Fulham High Street (below).

Commuters in the area, who had fallen for his illuminating back story, said they were “shocked” to learn Wright had duped them.

Chris Faversham, from Putney, said: “I definitely gave him money over the years. Probably about £20. I wonder if I can get that back?”

Angry residents have inundated website putney SW15.com with comments about the duplicity.

Even in December suspicious residents were suggesting that something was not quite right about Wright’s predicament.

Some said he changed up his donations in Greggs in Putney High Street while others said he lived in a tent on Putney Embankment.

But Wright’s days of fleecing the public are over after magistrates slapped an Asbo on him banning him from visiting the SW15 area (Roehampton and Putney) and from begging anywhere in the capital.

Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, sitting on May 14, also ordered him to keep his dog muzzled and under control at all times in a public place after magistrates were told it had bitten at least one person.

The Asbo will remain in place until May 2015 but if Wright, who admitted fraud and begging, breaches any of its terms he could be sent to prison for up to five years and face an unlimited fine.

PC Oliver Strebel, who was the officer in the case, said: “This court case has ensured his permanent removal from the high street. This result is excellent news for Putney and the people of Putney.”