Brighton gambler conned elderly widow
A gambler pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by misrepresentation at Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Friday 28 October).
Simon Kingham, 44, of Framfield Court, Whitehawk conned a longstanding friend of his parents and grandparents out of money left to her by her late husband.
Kingham persuaded his 81-year-old victim that he needed money to feed his son and buy building supplies when in fact it was frittered away on gambling.
In total, Kingham persuaded his victim to part with £6,690.
He originally pleaded not guilty but has since accepted that he acted dishonestly and changed his plea.
The fraud only came to light when the victim’s nephew became suspicious and made inquiries with her bank.
District Judge Stephen Nicholls adjourned the case for reports and warned Kingham that all sentencing options were open, including committal to the crown court if his powers were insufficient.
Sentencing will take place on Thursday 10 November and Kingham was released on conditional bail.
