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Scam psychic jailed
A fraudster is on the run after conning a broken-hearted man out of thousands of pounds.
Simon Trussell said he was tricked into handing over more than 12,000 to TV psychic George Lavery, who at the time was living in Berkhamsted High Street, and believed he would help him win back his lost love.
A jury heard how over eight months Mr Trussell gave thousands of pounds to Lavery, pictured right, thinking it was being passed on to his ex.
He said he was tricked into buying a 6,000 engagement ring and was even persuaded to buy leather fetish clothes.
At St Albans Crown Court Lavery, 42, who now lives in London and uses the name Simon for psychic and medium work, pleaded not guilty to fraud.
Also charged with the offence was co-defendant John Hamilton, 51, from East Sussex.
The case went on even though neither of the men turned up.
Peter Shaw, prosecuting, told the jury: "You may feel the victim was jaw droppingly naive to have fallen for this deception hook, line and sinker."
The jury heard that during 2007 Mr Trussell wanted to get back with former girlfriend, named in court as Mary Pratt.
Out of desperation he turned to a TV channel devoted to mediums and spiritualists, which led him to call a premium rate line and make contact with Lavery.
In the witness box Mr Trussell said Lavery assured him Miss Pratt was going to come back into his life.
On Lavery's suggestion, the victim bought a mobile phone for 'Miss Pratt' so she could to send him messages.
"The first message said she wanted to start the relationship up and Simon was helping her through a difficult period, what a great guy he was and I should help him," he told the court.
He went on to shell out hundreds of pounds after numerous requests which included spending 800 on fetish clothing.
Mr Trussell said he thinks he handed over between 6,000 and 9,000 as well as 6,000 on the diamond engagement ring.
The deception was discovered when Mr Trussell saw the messages he had sent on Hamilton's mobile phone and he confronted the men, and the police were called.
Lavery and Hamilton were both found guilty of fraud.
Lavery was jailed for thee years and Hamilton received a sentence of two years and six months, and arrest warrants were issued for both.
In addition, Lavery was ordered to pay 5,500 compensation to Mr Trussell and Hamilton should pay him 4,500.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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