Former Salford Red Devils employee found guilty of fraud

A former Salford Red Devils employee has been found guilty of conning people out of thousands of pounds by selling fake concert and football tickets.

Craig Hookham, of Medlock Way in Whitefield, Bury conned over 50 people, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Hookham was jailed for over two years after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation.

They also heard that he used the Coronavirus pandemic as an excuse, saying fake concerts had been postponed due to it.

Hookham also worked for Manchester City and Sale Sharks before joining the Salford Red Devils.

He has been jailed for 28 months.

Response to sentencing of former Salford Red Devils employee

Credit Imago Images

Following the sentencing, DC David Potter of Bury CID said to Manchester Evening News: “First of all, we would like to thank the victims, some of whom do not reside in the UK, for coming forwards and cooperating with the investigation. Without this support, we wouldn’t have achieved today’s result.

“As a force, Greater Manchester Police is committed to identifying and stopping fraudulent activity with the area and we would encourage anyone who feels they have been a victim to come forwards and report it to us.”

According to the Manchester Evening News, “from October 1, 2018, to August 29, 2020, Hookham made £123,380 selling tickets to fake sport events. From October 29, 2018 to June 13, 2020, he made a further £49,450 by selling tickets to fictitious music events – bringing the total amount he made to £172,830.”

Apparently, the prosecution, “told the court that Hookham had previously worked in hospitality for Manchester City, Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks and ‘gained a good reputation for sourcing tickets for hospitality events.'”

According to the Manchester Evening News, “The defence, Rachel Faux said his fraudulent activity was ‘anything but sophisticated’ as he used his own bank account and it was ‘inevitable’ that the fraud would be detected. She said Hookham has expressed ‘disgust at his own behaviour’, his remorse was ‘genuine’ and that the offence was ‘out of character’ for him.

“Ms Faux said Hookham’s life had ‘spiralled’ after he lost employment and the financial difficulties he faced led to his behaviour, explaining that it had got so bad his electricity was set to be cut off. She added that Hookham had also struggled with depression and drug abuse.”