Sham injury scammer jailed after trying to con Eastbourne café
A notorious conman was caught red-handed trying to swindle cash with a fake injury story in Eastbourne. Ian McEnroe, 62, claimed his granddaughter cut her lip on a milkshake cup – but café staff weren’t fooled.
Fake milkshake injury exposed in seconds
McEnroe stormed into a café on Terminus Road, demanding £80 compensation for a car valet. He insisted his granddaughter’s “bloody lip” had stained his vehicle.
But quick-thinking staff knew no milkshakes had even been sold that day. CCTV later nailed McEnroe lying while in custody, proving the scam was pure fiction.
Criminal with 38 convictions and over 150 fraud charges
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 15 January, McEnroe was found guilty of fraud by false representation. The scam unfolded at 7pm on 19 June 2024.
McEnroe, from Staplefield Drive, Brighton, has a shocking past: 38 convictions covering 192 offences, including over 150 similar dodgy compensation claims against businesses.
Jailed 26 weeks and slapped with 5-year ban
McEnroe was locked up for 26 weeks and slapped with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). The CBO bans him from making any refund or compensation claims in food or retail outlets across Sussex.
He must now report any relevant incidents to police within 24 hours and notify businesses in writing about his fraud convictions.
“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,” said Sergeant Daniel Turk.
“We welcome the custodial sentence and the Criminal Behaviour Order, which will help protect local businesses from further offending.”
