Conman kept cash from fake cancer charity

Aconman who went door to door claiming to be collecting money for a cancer charity kept the money for himself, a court has heard.

Lee David Edwards printed fake sponsorship forms in his local library, then concocted a story that his cousin was sick with cancer.

The 30-year-old knocked on doors and told people he was taking-part in a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK – and dozens of generous people handed over their money.

Swansea Magistrates’ Court heard Edwards fraudulently collected a total of £122.34 from people across Morriston, Rhos and Clydach over a number of days in October last year.

Sharon Anderson, prosecuting, said the scam came to light when a Clydach woman became suspicious of his activities and rang police. Officers found Edwards in the village and stopped him. He was in possession of £33 along with bogus sponsorship forms.

In interview, he said he had printed the forms at Pontardawe Library and had told people that his cousin had cancer and he was going to take part in a head-shave and sponsored run for charity.

Edwards, of High Street, Pontardawe, had previously pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and to theft – he had picked up a mobile phone from outside one of the houses he called at in Morriston – when he appeared before justices for sentencing.

The court heard there was a “long list” of victims, with most people having given £2 or £3 each.

Ian Hopkins, for Edwards, said that although his client had previous convictions on his record, none were for offences of dishonesty.

He said there was “nothing sophisticated” about the fraud offence, and it was one his client was always likely to be caught for. Edwards was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 200 hours’ unpaid work, and must pay £85 prosecution costs, an £85 surcharge and £122.34 compensation, which magistrates said should go to Cancer Research UK.