A swindler who embarked on a Harrods spending-spree with the bank card of a man he met on notorious gay haunt Hampstead Heath - triggering a break-up - was locked-up for a year today.
Deaf Abraham Icheke-Neal, 41, had already used the card behind the victim's back at nearby Hugo Boss, Sloane Square during the couple's shopping trip and days' earlier extracted cash during a day-trip to gay-friendly Brighton.
He was caught after the victim - a businessman from Richmond-upon-Thames - gave police a toothbrush the defendant used during their short fling and tell-tale DNA was found.
Icheke-Neal pleaded guilty to fraudulently using the card to obtain £300 from an Asda cashpoint on August 22, 2008; £299 worth of clothing from Hugo Boss on August 24 and £1,066 worth of items, plus £350 cash at Harrods (Pictured) the same day.
Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard the defendant met his victim as they cruised Hampstead Heath, with Icheke-Neal virtually moving into the businessman's home immediately.
He watched his prey tap in his four-digit PIN number when using the bank card to pay for a meal then secretly used the card for himself as the couple went on trips to the coast and top London stores.
Prosecutor Miss Anne Davies told the court Icheke-Neal disappeared with the victim's wallet and mobile phone in Harrods and after giving-up waiting the businessman decided to drive home.
At nearby traffic lights the defendant suddenly appeared "carrying a large amount of shopping and flowers" and when challenged about the fraud said: "I suppose that means we're finished."
Icheke-Neal fled, but was arrested after the DNA match and refused to co-operate with police.
The bank have compensated the victim.
No comments:
Post a Comment