London: A 26-year-old man who tried to sell what he claimed was a walking cane used by the late Queen Elizabeth II has been sentenced for defrauding buyers on eBay.
Drew Marshall, from Hampshire in southern England, claimed he was one of Windsor Castle's chief footmen, and that proceeds from the sale of his “antler walking stick” would go to cancer research.
Queen Elizabeth II.credit: AP
Prosecutors said the auction reached 540 pounds ($1,026) before he canceled the listing after learning police had launched an investigation.
He was found guilty of fraud by false representation at Southampton Magistrates' Court and was sentenced to a 12-month community order on Monday.
Julie Massey, Crown Prosecutor, said: “Drew Marshall took advantage of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to attempt to deceive the public through a sham charity auction – fueled by greed and a desire for attention.”
“Marshall's scheme was ultimately foiled before he could successfully deceive any unsuspecting victims.”
AP
Get a direct note from our foreigners Reporters About what's making headlines around the world. Subscribe to the weekly What in the World newsletter here.
