A “prolific” fraudster has been jailed after his brazen attempt to scam an Eastbourne café with a fictitious injury claim involving a milkshake cup was caught on camera.
Ian McEnroe, 62, who resides on Staplefield Drive, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court where he was found guilty of fraud by false representation.
The court sentenced him to 26 weeks behind bars for the scheme, which involved seeking £80 in compensation from a café on Terminus Road.
McEnroe had alleged that his granddaughter sustained a cut lip from one of the establishment’s cups, but his story quickly unravelled when staff challenged his account.
The incident occurred on the evening of June 19 2024, when McEnroe entered the café at approximately 7pm with his fabricated tale.
He told employees that his granddaughter had visited the premises the day before to purchase a milkshake and that the cup had caused her to injure her lip.
McEnroe spun a graphic yarn, detailing how the wound resulted in blood being spilt inside his car.
However, a member of staff remembered that the café had not actually served any milkshakes on the day in question, exposing the deception.
A ‘prolific’ fraudster has been jailed after his brazen scam was caught on camera.
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SUSSEX POLICE
McEnroe’s criminal record reveals a pattern of similar behaviour, with 38 previous convictions accounting for 192 separate offences.
More than 150 of these relate to comparable fraudulent claims made against businesses.
Sussex Police identified McEnroe through CCTV footage while he was already in custody, leading to the fraud charge.
The career fraudster was found guilty on January 15 following a trial.
The career conman has 38 previous convictions relating to 192 separate offences
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SUSSEX POLICE
Alongside the custodial sentence, the court imposed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order with strict conditions.
Under its terms, McEnroe is prohibited from making any refund or compensation claims at retail or food establishments across Sussex.
He must notify police of any incidents within 24 hours and is required to declare in writing to any such premises that he has prior convictions for fraudulent compensation requests.
Sergeant Daniel Turk said: “McEnroe has dozens of previous convictions for fraud by false representation.”
Ian McEnroe was sentenced to 26 weeks behind bars for the scheme
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“Working alongside partner agencies, we were able to identify him in connection with this investigation.
“We are pleased that a prolific offender has received a significant custodial sentence, and a Criminal Behaviour Order to tackle his fraudulent behaviour.”
It comes after another brazen scheme was foiled in Lancashire, where a benefits fraudster who faked a cancer diagnosis managed to swindle £70,000 after claiming she had just six months to live.
Sarah Yarwood, 39, used fake hospital letters to support her lies and claimed she was single and living alone, when in fact she resided with her partner.