Wife of conman who faked coma for TWO YEARS arrested for allegedly helping his scam

THE wife of a conman who pretended to be in a coma for TWO YEARS to avoid a fraud court case has been arrested for allegedly helping his disability scam.

Helen and Alan KnightWALES NEWS SERVICE

Helen and Alan Knight

Helen Knight, 33, has been questioned by police investigating how her husband Alan, 48, tried to dodge court by claiming he was a comatose quadriplegic.

Convicted conman Knight said he was in a "vegetative state" after police investigated how he scammed his frail next door neighbour out of more than £40,000.

But he was rumbled after officers caught him going on shopping trips and holidays with his family.

After eventually turning up to court - arriving in a wheelchair and neck brace - he was jailed for four-and-a-half years last November after admitting theft and forgery charges.

Mother-of-three Helen allegedly told police and doctors how she cared for her often-unconscious husband after he broke his neck while pulling down a garage door.

Knight claimed he had suffered a massive neck injury and was living off benefits at his home in Swansea, South Wales.

A court heard he had "systematically" drained £41,570 from his elderly neighbour's bank account - using the cash to splash out on holidays and a caravan in Dorset.

He was eventually caught out after being spotted on CCTV at the Severn bridge toll on the M4 and in Tesco stores across the country.

Alan KnightWALES NEWS SERVICE

Alan Knight was sentenced last year

Officers had tried to "at least twice" to bring him court, but each time he admitted himself to hospital claiming his condition had worsened.

Swansea Crown Court was told he had "pulled the wool" over his GP's eyes but he was unable to fool doctors at the hospital - who spotted him eating, wiping his face and even writing.

As he was sentenced, Judge Thomas told him: "Aspects of this case in my experience are unique, and a strong message needs to be sent out to anyone who seeks to adopt similar tactics.

Although a very accomplished and determined actor, he is nothing in like the condition he claims to be, and the conditions he claims to be suffering from are simply non existent

Judge Thomas when sentencing Alan Knight last year

"Although a very accomplished and determined actor, he is nothing in like the condition he claims to be, and the conditions he claims to be suffering from are simply non existent."

The judge ordered an investigation into his fake medical condition after the case was delayed for months.

Helen and and Alan, who is in prison, have both been arrested by police investigating the coma con for allegedly perverting the course of justice.

Both were released on bail and a file of evidence is expected to be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Police have arrested a 48-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman from the Swansea area on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and money laundering offences.

"The pair are currently on police bail while an investigation continues."

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