Edward Foden, 40, of Broomlee Close in High Heaton, has admitted to fraudulently cashing a £15,000 cheque that was made out to his father. The offence occurred between February 13 and 21, 2023, when Foden deposited the cheque and kept the money.
Guilty plea at last minute
Foden initially denied the fraud charge and was scheduled for trial at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. However, as the trial was about to begin, he changed his plea to guilty. Prosecutor stated that Foden deposited the £15,000 cheque intended for his father and retained the funds.
Neil Connell, defending, explained: "The defendant cashed a cheque intended for his father as opposed to him." He added that Foden is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on July 4 for a malicious communications offence, which is why sentencing in this case could not proceed immediately.
Adjournment and bail
Magistrates agreed to adjourn the fraud matter until July 21 to see the outcome of the crown court sentencing. Foden was released on unconditional bail for this case but remained remanded in custody due to the pending crown court matters.
Foden's fraudulent act involved a significant sum, and his guilty plea came only after the trial was imminent. The case highlights the consequences of financial deception within families.
