Last chance for conman (From Stroud News and Journal)

Last chance for conman

CONMAN Craig Imrie has been put behind bars - but he could be out of jail next month.

The trickster who cheated sponsors out of cash after convincing them he was going to run last year's Stroud half marathon broke a drug treatment and testing order.

On Friday, magistrates sitting in Stroud decided to give him one last chance to rid himself of his drug addiction, which they said fuelled that crime and a series of petty offences over the past year.

Imrie, 19, of Mathews Way, Paganhill broke the 12 month drug treatment and testing order he was handed on April 29 and appeared in Stroud on Friday for a review of the order. He also broke a 24 month community rehabilitation order by breaking the drug treatment plan.

Magistrates went along with Steve Young, defending, who said that to make a jail sentence for breaking the order would not solve his addiction.

"The people who know best drug treatment workers are saying it's worth another try," said Mr Young.

A copy of Imrie's record in the Phoenix Centre, London was handed to magistrates but the details of breaking the order was not read out in court.

"He has failed at this stage to comply with the order but he is worth another try," said Mr Young, who said if his client was given a prison sentence he could take drugs then offend again after release.

"If you give him another opportunity he will be another example of how to treat drug offenders - it's treatment that these people need."

Prosecutor Malcolm Hayes told the bench that the vast majority of those who were duped by his marathon con were elderly.

"This was a matter which attracted some local interest because it involved him putting himself forward as entering the Stroud half marathon," said Mr Hayes.

"As part of the preparations it appears he put together a sponsorship sheet and visited various homes in the autumn, seeking sponsorship."

Chairman of the bench, Mary Matthews told Imrie he was to have one last chance in view of his young age.

"It's been a very difficult decision," she said. "We've not been encouraged by the response of help to him in the past.

"In view of his young age we are giving him one opportunity to be a resident at the Phoenix Centre but we are concerned that he understands the position he is in.

"He is in danger of ruining his life and this is the last chance. If he does not take it, it will be bad for him."

He was remanded in custody until June 14 for reassessment to take place. Then magistrates will decide whether to send him for more drug treatment or sentence him again.