Man Faked Coma for 2 Years to Avoid Court in UK
A man faked a coma for two years to avoid going to court in the U.K., according to reports. Alan Knight of Swansea, Wales, was caught on camera at a supermarket, which meant his story about being quadriplegic and diagnosed with other medical conditions.
The man faked his coma for two years to delay prosecutors, who claim that he stole over 40,000 pounds ($64,000) from an elderly neighbor who has Alzheimer's. However, that tactic stopped working once police found out he was using his supermarket loyalty card — they produced surveillance footage of him on camera in the store, driving around and walking normally, the Associated Press reported.
Knight, 47, had even his wife Helen help propagate his false medical illnesses.
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She wrote a letter to the The South Wales Evening Post saying that her husband was "quadriplegic and in a comatose condition, bed-bound at home," after injuring his neck.
"We've been through absolute hell and we're still going through hell," she claimed.
However, authorities wouldn't let Knight off that easily. They told him that whether or not he dodged court or not, the trial would proceed.
Knight showed up Tuesday and pleaded guilty to 19 counts of forgery, fraud and theft.
Judge Paul Thomas called him "a very accomplished and determined actor."
"His illnesses coincide with impending court appearances. I do not believe the symptoms are genuine," he added.
The South Wales man will be sentenced on Nov. 7.
