A competitive kickboxer and mother-of-four has been exposed for orchestrating a vile and calculated deception, falsely claiming to have terminal cancer to swindle her former partner out of thousands of pounds.
Brea Collinson, 32, spun a web of lies for over a year, convincing her ex, Paul Phillips, that she was dying. The cruel pretence included sending him fabricated doctor's letters and even shaving her head to mimic the effects of chemotherapy.
Mr Phillips, believing he was helping the mother of his children in her final months, handed over substantial sums of cash and even set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for her supposed treatment and to create lasting memories for their young family.
A Web of Calculated Deceit
The court heard how Collinson's lies began to unravel when Mr Phillips grew suspicious. He contacted the hospital she claimed to be receiving treatment at, only to be told they had no record of her as a patient.
Upon confrontation, Collinson's elaborate story fell apart. The doctor's letters were forgeries, and her illness was a complete fiction designed to exploit his sympathy and generosity.
Justice Served and a New Beginning
Collinson was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation. The judge condemned her "evil" and "despicable" actions, which caused severe emotional and financial damage to her victim.
In a twist of fate, since the truth emerged, Mr Phillips has found new love and happiness with a nurse who supported him through the ordeal. He has described the entire experience as a "living nightmare" from which he is still recovering.
The case serves as a shocking reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to for financial gain and the profound impact such heartless scams have on their victims.
