Man who tried to auction a walking stick he said was used by Queen Elizabeth II sentenced for fraud

2024-12-24 09:28:12 source: category:Scams

London — A 26-year-old man who tried to sell what he claimed was a walking stick used by the late Queen Elizabeth II has been sentenced for defrauding eBay buyers. 

Dru Marshall, from Hampshire in southern England, claimed he was a senior footman at Windsor Castle and that the proceeds from the sale of the "antler walking stick" would go to cancer research. The auction had reached 540 pounds ($686) before he cancelled the listing after learning police had launched an investigation, prosecutors said.

Queen Elizabeth II leans on a walking stick in the Drawing Room of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeen, Scotland, in a Sept. 6, 2022 file photo.  Getty

He was found guilty of fraud by false representation at Southampton Magistrates' Court and sentenced on Monday to a 12-month community order.

"Dru Marshall used the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to try and hoodwink the public with a fake charity auction — fueled by greed and a desire for attention,'' Julie Macey, a senior crown prosecutor, said. "Marshall's scheme was ultimately foiled before he could successfully con any unsuspecting victims.''

Queen Elizabeth II through the years 76 photos
    In:
  • British Royal Family
  • Fraud
  • Britain
  • Queen Elizabeth II
  • United Kingdom

More:Scams

Recommend

Nicky Hilton Shares Her Christmas Plans With Paris, the Secret To Perfect Skin & More Holiday Gift Picks

We interviewed Nicky Hilton because we think you'll like her picks. Nicky is a paid spokesperson for

Supreme Court Halts Clean Power Plan, with Implications Far Beyond the U.S.

The Supreme Court put on hold the linchpin of President Obama’s climate policy, barring the Environm

236 Mayors Urge EPA Not to Repeal U.S. Clean Power Plan

Stay informed about the latest climate, energy and environmental justice news. Sign up for the ICN n