A Wickford man who tricked residents into sponsoring fake charity events has been convicted of fraud.

Lee Mayes first came to the attention of police after a member of the public raised concerns about his requests for donations in March and September last year.

It soon became apparent he had been preying on people in Wickford, telling them about the death of his child a few years previously, with a view to obtaining money for his own use.

Neighbourhood officer PC Sam Waters began investigating and started the arduous task of trying to track down Mayes’ victims.

With the help of police community support officers, she carried out extensive house to house enquiries and used the Essex Community Messaging system – sending targeted messages to people living in the areas where he operated - to trace those who had fallen victim to Mayes.

She traced 12 of his victims but it is thought there may have been many more.

Following her hard work, Mayes, 30 of Bruce Grove, Wickford, admitted four counts of fraud by false representation at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

Mayes was also ordered to pay £67 in compensation, £85 in court costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

PC Waters said: "The sad thing about this case is that Mayes used the death of his child, some years ago, to win people’s sympathy and then trick them into giving him charitable donations which he then used for his own benefit.

"To prey on the good nature of unsuspecting members of the public is a horrible crime. I hope this case demonstrates that Essex Police will leave no stone unturned in bringing characters such as Mayes to justice.”