Greedy Rolex Fraudster Caught During Harrods Swindle

A teenage dad, who tried to swindle two Rolex watches worth a total of £13,850 out of Harrods using a cloned American Express card, described the fraud as: “The biggest mistake of my life,” when he was sentenced yesterday.

Picture framer Rian Merry, 19, of Akeman Street, Arbury, Cambridge claimed he bought the card for £1,800 from a contact known as 'Michael' to finance purchases for his five month-old daughter.

However, he says he felt guilty about putting the card to such use and instead tried to obtain the watches, worth £7,750 and £6,100, each during a trip to London.

Merry pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates' Court to fraud by false representation on May 20, namely dishonestly tendering a fraudulent American Express card with intent to make a gain, namely two Rolex watches.

He was sentenced to a twelve-month community order and must complete 180 hours community service work and pay £85 costs, plus a £60 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Gill told the court Merry tried to buy both watches at the Knightsbridge department store, using the bogus platinum AMEX card, which bore his name.

Staff called the police and as Merry was arrested he said: “What am I gonna do about my eighteen hundred pounds?”

If the transaction had been completed the genuine cardholder, who had a Costco dollar account with the same number, would have been billed.

Merry told the magistrates: “It is the biggest mistake of my life. It was greed really.

“I just wanted to provide good money for my daughter, but did it the wrong way and felt guilty, but then when I went to London I saw the watches and wanted them.”

He served time in custody after failing to comply with a previous court order, but insists he is turning his life around with his new job and parental responsibilities.

“Six to seven months ago I stopped smoking cannabis and drinking heavily and I feel a lot better for it,” Merry added. “I now have honest wages and do not feel guilty about spending money on my daughter.”

Bench chairman Mr. Jeffrey Manton told him: “You know the form on this. You have been through the courts a few times and we have the power to send you to prison for eighteen weeks.

“You used a fraudulent card and you intended to buy high-value goods and that is on top of your record.

“We have listened to what you have said, you are nineteen and do you really want to spend your life in courtrooms?

“Isn't that a waste of time. It's not really a life is it?

“The reason you are not going to prison today is because we have heard about your child, your job and your desire to turn your life around.

“We hope you take control of your life and do not do things like this. It is just a stupid thing to do.

“Nobody wants to see you again.”