Manchester bogus Marine jailed for deception

A Manchester man who dressed up as a soldier to con people into donating cash to help wounded servicemen has been jailed for deception.

Liam Kissane, 28, wore a Royal Marines pin and military fatigues, and carried a Help for Heroes charity collection box, a court heard.

He admitted visiting pubs and shops in Ashton-under-Lyne, asking for donations during December 2009.

He was jailed for 27 months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Following the case, police said they had arrested Kissane, of no fixed abode, after a member of the public noticed his boots were not military issue, and spoke to two patrolling police officers.

The officers followed Kissane into a card shop and discovered he had no ID and had collected more than £300.

Police said Kissane admitted he had never served in the armed forces and that he bought the Royal Marines' pin.

Det Sgt Claire Platt said: "It is hard to think how someone would sink as low as this to earn a quick buck.

"Kissane took full advantage of the goodwill of people who thought they were supporting a worthy cause.

"I would like to praise the vigilant members of the public who raised the alarm."

Kissane pleaded guilty to three deception offences and was also found guilty of fraud by false representation at an earlier hearing.