Fraudster ‘sorry’ over cancer cash.
A cruel fraudster who pretended he had terminal cancer to pocket fundraising cash has issued a grovelling apology.
Brazen Paul Swann, 46, left family and friends shocked when he revealed he was dying before setting about raising cash for a palliative care hospice.
The community was rocked by the news and when Swann organised a fundraising night at a social club, hundreds of pounds came pouring in.
He also accepted a cheque for £2,000 from the Professional Footballers Association. But instead of donating the cash Swann pocketed the proceeds.
In August, he was jailed for 12 weeks after admitting two counts of fraud by false representation but, because he served a jail term, he was not required to repay the cash.
When The Sunday Post visited his home in of Preston, Lancashire, Swann made an apology for his deception.
He said: “I am very sorry about it. It should never have happened. It all got out of hand and I am very sorry”.
Asked whether he was repaying the money, he replied: “Of course I am.”
He claimed the matter was in the hands of his solicitor but did not elaborate on whether he intends to repay St Catherine’s Hospice or the people who donated the cash.
During sentencing in August, Elliott Taylforth, the 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. He pocketed 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 St Catherine’s Hospice, said it had been saddened by the fraud, describing Swann as “heartless”.
But Swann is not the only fraudster to claim he was dying to pocket large sums of cash.
In October, Danielle Watson, 24, admitted to claiming she had terminal cancer to raise £6,000 for her dream wedding.
The fraudster received cash and goods, including a free wedding dress. Her supporters raised more than £6,000 for specialist treatment after she told her fake story to numerous businesses.
Her con was exposed when she announced she was pregnant on social media, which sparked a police probe.
Last month, Watson, of Rowhedge, Essex, pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation and will be sentenced next year.
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