A teen ‘menace’ dishonestly claimed to collect cash for a cancer charity.

Alfie Shelley, of Nicholas Crescent, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud by false representation when he appeared from custody at Haverfordwest magistrates on Wednesday, February 6.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said: “This young man quite simply pretended to be collecting for Cancer Research by doing the 10K steps challenge.”

The 19 year-old went to various properties in Whitland and Lamphey on November 16, and was given sums of £1 and £2, he noted names on a sponsorship form in an attempt to appear genuine.

He collected a total of £12.50 cash, and admitted he had no intention of giving the money to the charity when spoken to by police.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said: “It is a nasty offence, conning people out of money while pretending to be doing it for charity.”

The court heard that Shelley had previously been cautioned for similar behaviour.

Mr Pritchard-Jones added that it was a “worrying pattern”, and those who donated would be asked if they wanted their money returned, or to be given to Cancer Research UK.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said: “He was arrested yesterday and spent an unpleasant night in the cells.

“The amount of money involved is obviously very small, but the crime could be described as ‘mean’, because it involves money that could have been given to charity.”

Mr Kelleher added: “At this moment in time he might be described as a menace, rather than anything else. He is not a career criminal, but even a menace has to be stopped.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered Shelley to pay £85 court costs and a £20 surcharge.