£2.5M Lotto win fraud rap
Man will face fake ticket rap Jackpot builder fraud charge after claiming £2.5million win
A LOTTERY winner was charged with fraud yesterday after allegedly claiming a £2.5million jackpot with a fake ticket.
Builder Edward Putman, 53, was paid the cash by National Lottery organisers Camelot in 2009.
But police launched an investigation after receiving evidence that the claim may not have been genuine.
Putman has been charged with fraud by false representation and ordered to appear at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 16.
His prosecution follows a three-year probe by the serious fraud squad.
Putman came forward as the winner of an unclaimed ticket just before the six-month cutoff deadline.
Homes
His winning numbers of 6, 9, 20, 21, 31 and 34 were drawn on March 11 and matched a ticket bought in Worcestershire worth £2.5m.
He asked for no publicity and is said to have only told a handful of friends.
Putman, who used to live in a former council flat, used the winnings to buy two homes in Kings Langley, Herts – together worth £1m – and cars.
Hertfordshire Police said: “Mr Putman has been released on bail to appear at St Albans Magistrates’ Court.’’
If convicted, he could be ordered to repay the lotto jackpot under the Proceeds Of Crime Act.
The Gambling Commission investigated Putman’s win and in December 2016 fined Camelot £3m for serious failures over the payout.
Winners can still claim their cash within 180 days of a draw if they can provide evidence about where and when the ticket was bought.
The Gambling Commission said Camelot breached its licence around the decision to pay a prize.
A Camelot spokesman said yesterday: “We are aware that an individual has been charged.
“However, while we appreciate that some people may want to know further detail, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment at this stage given that the matter is now the subject of criminal proceedings.’’