FACEBOOK TICKETS FRAUDSTER
BANNED EDUCATOR WENT ON TO ADVERTISE FAKE CUT-PRICE EVENT PASSES ON FACEBOOK
A disgraced teacher who was banned from classrooms in England after voicing a four-letter opinion about actor John Barrowman has now been jailed over a Facebook ticket fraud. Full story
A disgraced teacher who was banned from classrooms in England after voicing a fourletter opinion about actor John Barrowman has now been jailed over a Facebook ticket fraud.
During his career Kieran Patel boasted to pupils about links with celebrities and used swear words to describe both the Doctor Who star and his own supposed out-of-school activities.
The 29-year-old former English and performing arts teacher, who once worked at Cheadle Centre, in Hylton Castle, Sunderland, was banned from teaching by a Professional Conduct Panel in 2016.
He had also been given a community order in 2015 for abusing his position of trust by stealing £581 from a school’s petty cash.
Newcastle Crown Court has heard that while subject to the 12-month order, Patel masterminded an online ticket scam that promised discounted access to world- class performances.
Patel duped two pals into advertising cut-price passes to WWE events, boxing, Six Nations rugby, Disney On Ice, as well as Adele, Lady Gaga and Beyonce concerts over Facebook pages.
But the court heard in return for their cash that many customers received only excuses and were left angry and out of pocket.
Prosecutor Tony Cornberg told the court police received a total of 141 complaints from customers in the Northumbria and Durham force areas.
Mr Cornberg added: “A total of £33,672 was handed over for tickets that did not exist.”
Patel, of Burnhope Road, Barmston, Washington, admitted fraud. Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to 20 months behind bars.
“£33,672 was handed over for tickets that did not exist” PROSECUTOR