Conman pocketed thousands from 'unsuspecting strangers' by pretending he had terminal cancer

A fraudster has been jailed after pocketing thousands of pounds from ‘unsuspecting strangers’ by pretending he had terminal cancer.

Paul Swann, 46, told his family and friends he was terminally ill and organised a charity event, which raised thousands of pounds for St Catherine's Hospice.

But Swann, who had never been diagnosed with cancer, abused the generosity of the public and kept the cash for himself, a court heard.

The charity event raised £500 for the hospice and he also accepted a cheque for £2,000 from the Professional Footballers’ Association, but the fundraising money was not passed on.

Elliott Taylforth, district crown prosecutor for CPS North West said: 'Paul Swann cruelly deceived his family and friends by fabricating a fake terminal illness.

'Once he had gained their sympathy, his deceit escalated as he organised a fundraising event at a local social club, pulling on the heart strings of members of the public to donate their hard earned money to the cause.

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'He pocketing the money plus took a large donation from a charity for his own selfish gain.

'The offences Swann committed are far from victimless crimes.'

Stephen Greenhalgh, chief executive of the hospice, said: 'St Catherine’s Hospice has been left shocked and saddened by the actions of Paul Swann, who has defrauded local people of important funds which were so generously given.

'As a charity and organisation supporting people who are facing the true reality of life with serious illness, we find the manner of his deception particularly heartless.

'In the current economic climate, the charity is finding it very difficult to raise money to fund our specialised care and support for patients and their loved ones at the time they need it most.

'Unfortunately, situations like this affect public confidence and can make fundraising even harder.

'We do all that we can to prevent fraudulent activity, which is why we brought this matter to the attention of the police.

'Fortunately situations like this are few and far between.'

The Crown Prosecution Service said Swann had 'abused the generosity of unsuspecting strangers' and he 'deprived crucial funds from legitimate cancer sufferers'.

Swann, from Preston, Lancs., pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud by false representation between March and June and January and June this year at an earlier hearing.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.