"This doesn't really come across as an organised heist, more someone who is living in a fantasy world"
Sorry, but his actions are plain and simple fraudulent. Advertising goods, taking the money with no intention of fulfilling the sale is dishonest however you dress it up.
According to Trading Standards Devon and Cornwall, Cann has pulled this scam on quite a few occasions.
As for the reviews on eBay, I'd be very suspicious of a trader who amassed in excess of 2800 positive reviews, when he'd only been trading for a period of 3 months.