Serial charity fraudster avoids jail

A serial charity fraudster has avoided being locked up after trying to raise cash from kind-hearted office workers in the Black Country.

David Armson had so many previous convictions for similar offences he had received an anti social behaviour order, banning him from making charity collections or asking for sponsorship anywhere in England or Wales.

The 20-year-old has 71 previous convictions for fraud.

He ignored the court order on June 8 when he walked into the Bromford Lane, Oldbury offices of Eurohire, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Mr Charnjit Jutla said: "He asked them to sponsor him for the Race for Life event. While alone in the reception area for a short time he stole a mobile from behind a desk."

Film from CCTV showed Armson taking it, Mr Jutla claimed.

Armson was arrested four days later at home in Greenwood Avenue, Rowley Regis and admitted burglary, breaching an Asbo and making false representation.

Judge Jonathan Gosling said: "You could have been jailed for three years for this but I am going to take a risk and break the cycle.

"This may not work and if it does not you will not get another chance."

Armson was given an 18 month supervision order with a drug rehabilitation order.

Police are considering whether to release his picture.