‘One-legged amputee’ convicted of fake charity collection in Derry

A 31–year-old woman has been convicted of carrying out a false street collection in Derry on behalf of charity.

Claudia Tanase appeared at Derry Magistrates Court this morning on charges of fraud by false representation and possessing articles in connection with fraud on April 14 this year.

The court was told that Tanase had posed as a volunteer for the British Heart Foundation with a bucket at Newmarket Street in the city centre.

The court heard that she has an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) in Birmingham for similar offences.

A defence solicitor said Tanase is one-legged amputee and currently receiving treatment in England for cervical cancer.

A hand written letter from the defendant was given to the District Judge Barney McElholm.

He then handed Tanase a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.