He said he had been involved in numerous businesses, “some legitimate, some illegitimate,” but stressed that he had never used violence, saying he believed villains who used violence showed “a lack of enterprise and brains.”

The jury was told of a long-running dispute between Stafford and Mr Scott, who had bought two apartments in Stanhope Castle, Stanhope Castle, which was built in 1795, stands imperiously above the normally tranquil Weardale market town and is split into 12 apartments.

Stafford agreed he “detested” Mr Scott, explaining: “After many years in prison you get an insight and the man is a conman. It takes one to know one.”

He added: “Charles Scott would fly the Union Flag above the castle. He said it was to let the peasants know he was in residence.

“He has caused so much resentment in Stanhope.”

Stafford said shortly before the kit car was set alight a man called “Mark Stewart from Rookhope” had called at his apartment in the castle, having read his autobiography, Fun Loving Criminal.

“He said he had heard I was having trouble with Charles Scott. He offered to chin him for me for £100, or torch his car or put his windows out.

“He told me he had a reputation, and had beaten the local hardman in a fight, but I didn’t take him seriously, I sent him packing. I thought he was a psychopath, you could see it in his eyes.”

Stafford said he had told neighbours of Mr Stewart’s offer, and joked he would have considered having the car torched “if Charles Scott had been in it”.

But he stressed to the jury that the comment was made as a joke.

The trial continues.