A devious woman pretended to have terminal cancer to con her boyfriend out of £25k for personal gain.
Laura, age 35, exploited Jon Leonard’s love for personal gain. She said she needed treatment in Austria, and claimed she had a hysterectomy. Laura also falsely said she was getting chemotherapy.
Jon Leonard helps cancer charities, raising almost £40 million. He read his victim statement in court, stating that Laura never apologized and showed no remorse. Leonard said she even fooled her own daughter.
Judge Jonathan Straw sentenced Laura to a two-year community order, noting she deceived people for five years. He stated her actions were cruel and calculated, seriously impacting Mr. Leonard, both financially and emotionally.
Prosecutor Siward James-Moore said the crimes occurred between 2017 and 2022. Laura claimed she had cervical cancer first, saying she needed chemotherapy. Then she claimed she had colon and breast cancer, asking Leonard for money for a clinic.
Laura McPherson maintained she had terminal cancer. When Leonard found a top doctor for her, she refused and wanted NHS treatment. She faked treatment photos at hospitals, stealing nearly £25,000 from her boyfriend.
Laura spent the money on breast implants, weight loss help, and trips. She lied to Leonard, friends, and family, deeply upsetting her 12-year-old daughter, who is now 16.
Police investigated in 2022, and Laura blamed Mr. Leonard for control. She denied the charges initially, but later pleaded guilty to fraud.
Mr. Leonard said she stole years of his life, isolating him from loved ones. She spread lies after their breakup and never explained her fake cancer to her daughter. It seemed Laura sought attention and lied so much; he feels utterly deceived, and his faith in people is gone.
Laura Pitman, her lawyer, stated Laura had no past criminal record and feels awful about her behavior. She suffers from depression and anxiety, seeking help, suggesting she should receive a different sentence than jail.
A hearing about her assets is planned, potentially taking away her cash, and will happen later this year.