Swansea couple admit lies over husband's fake coma Published duration 25 August 2015

image copyright Wales News Service image caption Alan Knight was caught on supermarket CCTV

A Swansea woman and her husband have admitted perverting the course of justice by pretending he was unfit to stand trial due to being in a coma.

Helen Knight, 34, of Sketty, and her husband Alan, 48, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday.

The couple both pleaded guilty in the 10-minute preliminary hearing.

Helen Knight's guilty plea will be considered by the prosecution in a fortnight, when Alan Knight will be sentenced.

Alan Knight was jailed for four-and-a-half years in November 2014 on fraud and forgery charges.

His wife was released on bail.

image copyright Wales News Service image caption The court heard how Knight "systematically" funnelled £41,570 out of a pensioner's bank account

Knight pretended to be a quadriplegic and in a coma for two years to allegedly evade justice.

He conned his neighbour out of £40,000 but was caught by police on shopping trips and holidays.

He then admitted himself to hospital, claiming his health had worsened.

Judge Peter Haywood said he expressed very strong views about the "cock and bull story" which was presented by Alan Knight in the past, and "which he [Knight] now accepts was false."