VIDEO: Fraudster’s Bizarre Milkshake Injury Lie Lands Him in Jail

A prolific fraudster who fabricated a story to obtain money from a café in Eastbourne has been jailed. Ian McEnroe, 62, entered a café in Terminus Road and attempted to claim compensation after falsely alleging his granddaughter had cut her lip on a milkshake cup, causing blood to spill over his car. The claim was […]

A prolific fraudster who fabricated a story to obtain money from a café in Eastbourne has been jailed.

Ian McEnroe, 62, entered a café in Terminus Road and attempted to claim compensation after falsely alleging his granddaughter had cut her lip on a milkshake cup, causing blood to spill over his car.

The claim was quickly challenged when staff recalled that no milkshakes had been served the previous day. McEnroe was later identified on CCTV while already in police custody and charged with fraud by false representation.

Following a trial at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 15 January, McEnroe was found guilty of the offence.

The court heard the incident occurred at around 7pm on 19 June 2024, when McEnroe claimed his granddaughter had visited the café the day before and ordered a milkshake. He sought £80 to cover the cost of a car valet, alleging blood from the supposed injury had stained his vehicle.

It was revealed McEnroe, of Staplefield Drive, Brighton, has 38 previous convictions for 192 offences, more than 150 of which involved similar fraudulent compensation claims against businesses.

McEnroe was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison. The court also imposed a new Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) lasting five years.

Under the order, McEnroe is banned from making refund or compensation claims at any food or retail premises across Sussex. He must also report any incidents to police within 24 hours and declare in writing to businesses that he has previous convictions for fraudulent refund and compensation claims.

Speaking after the case, Sergeant Daniel Turk said: “McEnroe has dozens of previous convictions for fraud by false representation. Working alongside partner agencies, we were able to identify him and bring him to justice.

“We welcome the custodial sentence and the Criminal Behaviour Order, which will help protect local businesses from further offending.”