British man who faked coma to avoid fraud prosecution jailed

LONDON – A British fraudster who faked a coma to avoid prosecution has been jailed for obstructing justice.

Alan Knight of Swansea, Wales, stole more than 40,000 pounds ($80,000 CAD) from the bank account of an elderly neighbour.

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After he was arrested in 2011, 48-year-old Knight claimed to be quadriplegic and so sick he sometimes fell into a coma. Abetted by his wife, Helen, he checked himself into a hospital to avoid court appearances, saying he was having seizures.

Knight’s deceit was uncovered when police tracked the use of his supermarket card, and produced surveillance-camera footage of him driving and walking.

Last year he was sentenced to four years in prison for forgery, fraud and theft.

On Friday, judge Huw Davies sentenced Knight to an additional 14 months. Helen Knight received 10 months.