Menu
06/09/2005
Life term for 'MI5 Spy' conman
A former barman and car salesman who posed as an MI5 agent to con his marks out of almost £1 million, has received a life sentence.
Robert Hendy-Freegard, 34, from Blyth in Nottinghamshire told his victims that they were being pursued by the IRA. Some of his victims had to carry out bizarre missions over his ten-year reign of terror.
Believed to be one of the few people successfully convicted of kidnapping-by-fraud charges and theft, Hendy-Freegard was described at his trial as an "evil" conman.
The cash he procured from his eight victims funded a jet-set lifestyle with fast cars, a designer wardrobe, and holidays around the world.
Hendy-Freegard first started conning his victims in 1992, some were professionals and included a solicitor, a psychologist and a company director.
Sentencing Hendy-Freegard at Blackfriars Crown Court, Judge Deva Pilly said that he was a "confidence trickster who had not shown a shred of remorse or compassion" and that he was a "substantial danger to the public".
After the eight-month trial, Hendy-Freegard, who faced a total of 24 charges, was convicted on two counts of kidnapping, ten counts of theft and eight of deception.
(SP/KMcA)
Robert Hendy-Freegard, 34, from Blyth in Nottinghamshire told his victims that they were being pursued by the IRA. Some of his victims had to carry out bizarre missions over his ten-year reign of terror.
Believed to be one of the few people successfully convicted of kidnapping-by-fraud charges and theft, Hendy-Freegard was described at his trial as an "evil" conman.
The cash he procured from his eight victims funded a jet-set lifestyle with fast cars, a designer wardrobe, and holidays around the world.
Hendy-Freegard first started conning his victims in 1992, some were professionals and included a solicitor, a psychologist and a company director.
Sentencing Hendy-Freegard at Blackfriars Crown Court, Judge Deva Pilly said that he was a "confidence trickster who had not shown a shred of remorse or compassion" and that he was a "substantial danger to the public".
After the eight-month trial, Hendy-Freegard, who faced a total of 24 charges, was convicted on two counts of kidnapping, ten counts of theft and eight of deception.
(SP/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2005
Conman who posed as 'MI5 agent' found guilty
A man who posed as an MI5 agent as part of an elaborate con has been found guilty of kidnapping, theft and deception at Blackfriars Crown Court in London.
Conman who posed as 'MI5 agent' found guilty
A man who posed as an MI5 agent as part of an elaborate con has been found guilty of kidnapping, theft and deception at Blackfriars Crown Court in London.
02 October 2013
Inmate Given Second Life Term For Mark Bridger Attack
An inmate who attacked Mark Bridger in prison has been given a second life sentence. 24-year-old convicted murderer and rapist Juvinal Ferreira attacked Bridger, jailed for the murder of five-year-old April Jones, with a knife, made from a razor, at Wakefield prison in July.
Inmate Given Second Life Term For Mark Bridger Attack
An inmate who attacked Mark Bridger in prison has been given a second life sentence. 24-year-old convicted murderer and rapist Juvinal Ferreira attacked Bridger, jailed for the murder of five-year-old April Jones, with a knife, made from a razor, at Wakefield prison in July.
10 October 2012
Criminals Launch Appeal Over Life Sentences
Appeals are to be launched by five of the UK's most dangerous criminals over their life sentences for murder and rape. Their cases will be heard by five judges at the Court of Appeal in London, which includes the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Justice Leveson.
Criminals Launch Appeal Over Life Sentences
Appeals are to be launched by five of the UK's most dangerous criminals over their life sentences for murder and rape. Their cases will be heard by five judges at the Court of Appeal in London, which includes the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Justice Leveson.
04 September 2007
Body Of Convicted Killer Found
The body of a convicted killer who escaped from an open prison has been found in his car in Derbyshire. Martyn Hughes, 50, from Norfolk, was serving three life sentences for the murder of his two stepchildren and the manslaughter of his wife. He failed to return to Sudbury Open Prison on Sunday after being granted temporary leave.
Body Of Convicted Killer Found
The body of a convicted killer who escaped from an open prison has been found in his car in Derbyshire. Martyn Hughes, 50, from Norfolk, was serving three life sentences for the murder of his two stepchildren and the manslaughter of his wife. He failed to return to Sudbury Open Prison on Sunday after being granted temporary leave.
14 January 2015
Police Continue To For Stolen Bulldog Puppy
Police have appealed for information on the whereabouts of a rare bulldog puppy, believed to be worth around £16,000. The bulldog was snatched from its breeders home. It is understood a man had come to the home in October interested in buying the puppy. However, the man ran off with the dog, which was eight weeks old at the time.
Police Continue To For Stolen Bulldog Puppy
Police have appealed for information on the whereabouts of a rare bulldog puppy, believed to be worth around £16,000. The bulldog was snatched from its breeders home. It is understood a man had come to the home in October interested in buying the puppy. However, the man ran off with the dog, which was eight weeks old at the time.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
