Man convicted for ticket fraud offences

04/12/2012

Sam Ernest pleaded guilty today at Kingston Crown Court in relation to several ticket fraud offences against a number of individuals and an organisation. His case has been adjourned for sentence until January 21st 2013.

Ernest, a US citizen, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of fraud and one count of possessing identity documents with improper intention.

Rob Davis, CPS London reviewing lawyer, said: "Ernest defrauded these individuals and the organisation of tens of thousands of pounds which they had paid for tickets to high profile events, including London 2012 Olympic events and the Champions League Final, which never materialised.

"CPS London takes these crimes very seriously - the victims in this case lost out financially and were greatly distressed after discovering they had been deceived.

"This conviction should serve as a warning to anyone considering involvement in ticket fraud that CPS London will work closely with our police partners to put strong cases before the court.

"The many hours of work by CPS staff on this case resulted in a strong case which gave Ernest no choice but to plead guilty."