A FRAUDSTER who conned people out of cash by pretending to be seriously ill before begging for a train fare to Bournemouth has been jailed.

Daniel Malyon, 42, of Marriott Steps, on the Kursaal estate, in Southend, preyed on members of the public by approaching them at their own homes and telling them he had recently had a diabetic fit and needed to get home.

Southend Magistrates’ Court heard that on at least five occasions Malyon used the same sob story on kind-hearted people - most of whom were pensioners.

The first offence took place on February 26 and Malyon walked away with £15. He doubled his money on March 3 by conning another member of the public out of £30. Two days later he struck again, walking off with another £30 and then £20 from a fourth victim later that day. On March 21 he made £65.

Malyon admitted five counts of fraud by false representation. He was jailed for four weeks consecutively for each offence and ordered to pay back the money as compensation.

He was jailed for a further two weeks for failing to provide a sample in police custody - making a total of 22 weeks.

His final victim was charity worker Ken Davidson, 66, of Woodgrange Drive, who was approached by Malyon as he tended his front garden.

He told the Echo after the incident he gave a “Christian response” as he doesn’t like to see people in trouble.

PC Ian Risden, from the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team, thanked victims for helping to bring Malyon to justice. He told the Echo following his arrest: “This was the direct result of victims coming forward, intelligence being provided and the hard work of the Southend investigation team.”

Following the sentence, magistrates agreed to make a strict two-year criminal behaviour order.

Malyon is now banned from approaching any person and asking for money “regardless of circumstances” unless he is lawfully entitled.

He is also not to “enter or be found” in any residential premises for which he is not the tenant or owner or has permission. The only exception is if he needs to “save life”.

Malyon is additionally barred from requesting “casual employment” from any person not through “proper contracted means.”