Fraudster behind non-existent Mrs Brown's Boys show cons victims out of thousands
A fraudster who claimed to be hosting a sell-out show featuring stars of Mrs Brown's Boys at a popular Black Country venue has conned people out of thousands of pounds.
Police are now investigating after people paid for tickets for events at The Windsor Theatre in Bearwood Road, Bearwood, which did not exist.
The conman, who had advertised under several different names - including the name Mint Studios - had even planned a sold-out Mrs Brown's Boys event at the venue for August next year, supposedly in aid of charity.
But the con was brought to light when lawyers for Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll contacted the theatre to say they knew nothing about it.
Theatre manager Paul Fletcher, who has been part of the family-run business for 36 years, said he was stunned when it emerged the show was a sham.
He said: "We were approached in June by this man who said he was a well-known charity organiser and wanted to use our facilities to promote his events.
"He had a list of shows planned ranging from pantomimes to discos under the company name 'Mint Studios' and said all the money raised would be going to Children in Need and cancer charities.
"He said he would be putting on a show with the cast of Mrs Brown's Boys for next year and that they were coming here to Bearwood. We believe he took all the money directly through a Paypal account for tickets.
"It wasn't until we had a solicitor's letter from Dublin, on behalf of Brendan O'Carroll, saying no events were planned to take place or had been booked, that we realised we had been sucked in."
Tickets for the show ranged from £20 to £35 - with it thought to be sold out.
Mr Fletcher continued: "We have put a lot of money in The Windsor Theatre to take it forward with it being community based and this has left us sick to the stomach.
"It tarnishes your reputation by this idiot using our venue to do such a thing.
"This man is a criminal and we have since found out that he has been conning people across the UK and has even appeared on Crimewatch."
Councillor Richard Marshall spoke of his disgust.
He added: "He has just built up people's trust and is a con artist. It is awful."
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We have received several reports of fraudulent tickets being sold on behalf of the Windsor Theatre.
"Our inquiries are ongoing."
