A fraudster dodged jail today for trying to convince police over $10,000 cash found by a train cleaner was his.
Phillip Cragg, 30, of Kittiwake House, High Street, Slough was tipped-off to the potential claim by a First Great Western Railway employee, but his inconsistent account quickly alerted police.
He pleaded guilty to attempting to commit fraud by false representation, namely claiming the $10,300 cash was his at Paddington Station on June 16.
Cragg was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which included completing 100 hours community service work.
City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard a cleaner handed in the lost money, found on a stationary train, to a police community support officer at Paddington Station on June 9.
British Transport Police (BTP) deposited the cash in a Barclays Bank lost property account.
On June 16 the defendant telephoned BTP in Birmingham, claiming he had left the cash behind on a Maidenhead to Paddington train.
“The operator advised him that he should contact Paddington Station lost property office and was told he would have to provide proof of ownership,” said prosecutor Miss Rav Chodha.
“The defendant then called back later, saying he had negative feedback from lost property, and arrangements were made to discuss matters with BTP at Paddington.
“The defendant attended to claim the money, but due to the large amount involved and inconsistencies in his account it was decided he should return the following day with proof of ownership.”
Cragg failed to attend the second meeting and was arrested during a dawn raid at his home on June 23.
“The defendant fully admitted the offence, saying he received a call from a friend who worked for First Great Western that ten thousand dollars had been found at Paddington Station,” added Miss Chodha.
“He admitted the conspired to unlawfully claim the lost money, which they planned to split fifty fifty.
“The defendant said he had to do it because his friend was a member of the railway staff.”
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