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UK man faked coma for 2 years to avoid court

A fraudster who pretended to be quadriplegic and sometimes comatose for two years to avoid prosecution has been convicted after police caught him on camera driving and strolling around supermarkets.

Updated on: Oct 22, 2014, 17:59:25 IST
AP | By , London
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A fraudster who pretended to be quadriplegic and sometimes comatose for two years to avoid prosecution has been convicted after police caught him on camera driving and strolling around supermarkets.

HT Image
HT Image

Prosecutors say Alan Knight stole more than 40,000 pounds ($64,000) from an elderly neighbor with Alzheimer's disease.

When police began investigating, Knight claimed to be quadriplegic and so sick he sometimes fell into a coma. He checked himself into a hospital to avoid court appearances.

His deceit was uncovered when police tracked the use of his supermarket card, and produced surveillance camera footage of him walking and driving.

Knight pleaded guilty Tuesday at Swansea Crown Court to 19 counts of forgery, fraud and theft.

The court said Wednesday that Knight is due to be sentenced November 7.

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