Singer sent to jail for deception
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A SINGER was jailed yesterday for attempting to cheat the Swedish furniture company Ikea out of pounds 54,000.
Alton Edwards, 38, who had a hit in the early 1980s with 'I Just Wanna (Spend Some Time With You)', committed the crime after losing his recording contract and falling into debt, the Old Bailey was told.
He delivered a request to a bank for pounds 54,000 using a genuine Ikea letterhead. The letter asked for the money to be transferred to an account Edwards controlled and was processed without question.
Stephen Clayton, for the prosecution, said he was caught when a motorcycle courier he hired to collect the money became suspicious and alerted bank staff.
Edwards planned to use the money to pay off mortgage arrears on his home in Cricklewood, north-west London.
The Recorder, Vivian Robinson, said because of the premeditated nature of the crime he had to impose a prison sentence.
He jailed Edwards, who admitted forgery, handling stolen goods and attempting to obtain property by deception, for a total of 18 months. He faces deportation to Zimbabwe after his sentence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments