03/02/2012
'Petrol Money' Scammer Jailed
A man who "tricked" people out of their money by saying it was for petrol has been jailed.
Ian Cook, 46, of North Road, Lancing, in Sussex was sentenced to 36 weeks in custody on Thursday for fraud after approaching people for petrol money.
PC Jennie Hutchinson said: "Ian Cook has made a thorough nuisance of himself as he tricked people out of their hard-earned money. I would like to thank the 80 people who took the time to call us to report this. These people have been instrumental in getting him charged with 52 offences and ensuring his offending ceases."
Police said that since August last year, Ian Cook, who has a drug habit, had been approaching people in the street or at their homes, telling them he has broken down and run out fuel. He then asked them for money and they have given him sums from a few pounds to £20.
He was also charged for making off without payment from service stations and taxis, criminal damage and public order.
Cook has been arrested about 10 times, bailed several times by the court, given a 18 month conditional discharge and 24 week suspended sentence.
PC Hutchinson said: "His offending has been prolific and once he is out of custody we will be doing all we can to ensure he does not return to this criminal practice."
(DW/GK)
Ian Cook, 46, of North Road, Lancing, in Sussex was sentenced to 36 weeks in custody on Thursday for fraud after approaching people for petrol money.
PC Jennie Hutchinson said: "Ian Cook has made a thorough nuisance of himself as he tricked people out of their hard-earned money. I would like to thank the 80 people who took the time to call us to report this. These people have been instrumental in getting him charged with 52 offences and ensuring his offending ceases."
Police said that since August last year, Ian Cook, who has a drug habit, had been approaching people in the street or at their homes, telling them he has broken down and run out fuel. He then asked them for money and they have given him sums from a few pounds to £20.
He was also charged for making off without payment from service stations and taxis, criminal damage and public order.
Cook has been arrested about 10 times, bailed several times by the court, given a 18 month conditional discharge and 24 week suspended sentence.
PC Hutchinson said: "His offending has been prolific and once he is out of custody we will be doing all we can to ensure he does not return to this criminal practice."
(DW/GK)
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