A serial fraudster has been sentenced to prison after attempting to con a cafe in Eastbourne with an elaborate and bizarre claim about a milkshake cup lid causing injury.
CCTV Captures Fraudulent Compensation Claim
Ian McEnroe, 62, from Brighton, was filmed entering the establishment on June 19, 2024, at approximately 7pm. He approached staff with a fabricated story, claiming that a milkshake cup lid had cut his grandchild's lip, causing bleeding that allegedly ruined his car's interior.
McEnroe demanded compensation, stating he had paid £80 for a valet service to clean what he described as 'blood in his car caused by a milkshake cup'. However, alert employees immediately became suspicious when they recalled that no milkshakes had been served on the day in question.
Pattern of Deception Uncovered
When staff reported the incident to police, investigators discovered McEnroe's extensive criminal history. The Brighton resident has 38 previous convictions for 192 offences, with more than 150 of these relating to similar fraudulent compensation claims against various businesses.
Police were able to identify McEnroe from CCTV footage when he was already in custody for other matters. He was subsequently charged with fraud by false representation.
Court Imposes Significant Sentence and Restrictions
At Brighton Magistrates' Court last week, McEnroe was found guilty following a trial. The court handed down a 26-week prison sentence and imposed a new five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) with strict conditions.
The CBO prohibits McEnroe from:
- Making any refund or compensation claims from retail or food premises across Sussex
- Failing to report any incidents to police within 24 hours
- Making claims without first declaring his fraud convictions in writing to businesses
Police Welcome Prolific Offender's Conviction
Speaking after the case, Sergeant Daniel Turk commented: 'McEnroe has dozens of previous convictions for fraud by false representation, and working alongside partner agencies, we were able to identify him in connection with this investigation.'
'We are pleased that a prolific offender has received a significant custodial sentence, and a Criminal Behaviour Order to tackle his fraudulent behaviour,' Sergeant Turk added, highlighting the importance of business vigilance against such scams.
The case serves as a reminder to hospitality businesses across the UK to maintain thorough records and remain alert to unusual compensation claims, particularly when customers cannot provide evidence to support their allegations.
