A MAN posed as a fundraiser for Cancer Research to steal money from West Dorset residents.

Daniel John Pearce, of Yarn Barton, Beaminster, appeared before Weymouth Magistrates Court on two charges of fraud by false representation.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to both offences and will be sentenced next month.

In December last year, Pearce went knocking on residents’ doors in Salwayash posing as a member of the Air Training Corps and asking for £10 sponsorship for a bogus charity walk that he said was in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Prosecuting, Julian Law-rence told the court that Pearce had four further offences of a similar nature. These included taking £31 from six people, he said.

The court was told that Pearce targeted residents in Beaminster and Salwayash.

However, one Beaminster resident became suspicious because she knew the walk was not taking place and reported Pearce to Dorset Police.

A warning was published in the Bridport News and a campaign was launched by outraged charity workers to track down the fraudster.

When Pearce attempted his scam in Salwayash a resident contacted the police and he was arrested on December 16.

Mr Lawrence said: “In police interview he said he was struggling for money and was desperate.

“Pearce has numerous previous convictions for fraudulent offences and five previous charges.”

Lee Christmas, in mitigation, said: “The offence is a breach of trust and dishonesty even though the amounts of money were low. At the time Pearce was living in a caravan and not receiving benefits, he had no money.”

Pearce was bailed unconditionally and ordered to appear before Weymouth magistrates on February 20 for sentencing.

CASH FOR CHARITIES VITAL

BRIDPORT mum Katherine Locke, above, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, praised the vital work of Cancer Research UK.

She said: “Without their support my position would have been much, much worse.

“Taking money from that research is pretty low and affects people at their most vulnerable. I can’t imagine how desperate someone must be to do something like that.”

All cancer charities have condemned the crime and say genuine collectors carry ID or a letter of authority.