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A “DESPICABLE” man who lied about taking part in the Great North Run to defraud cash has been put behind bars.

Prolific thief Kieran Boyes, 18, admitted three counts of fraud after he went from door-to-door in Newcastle’s Fawdon to plead for sponsorship.

The jobless man claimed he was taking on various charity races, including the world famous Great North Run, but instead pocketed the cash.

When Boyes returned to collect from one man, his boast of running the gruelling half marathon was challenged.

Upon this, Boyes fled the scene and was duly reported to police for his dishonesty.

Boyes, of Redland Avenue, Fawdon, was handed a 23-week prison sentence at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court after admitting three counts of fraud in September and October last year and possession of cannabis.

Officers discovered a small stash of the class B drug on when police arrested him in November. The court heard how Boyes even produced a Great North Run sponsorship form to one victim.

Two of his targets declined to hand over cash but one pledged £5 and another trusted Boyes enough to part with £10.

Paul Clark, prosecuting, told magistrates Boyes’ victims felt disappointed and would be careful about who they opened the door to in future.

Mr Clark told the court on victim said: “I am generally a trusting person, but I will now have to re-evaluate the circumstances in which I answer when people come to the door.”

Another resident submitted a statement which condemned Boyes as “despicable”.

The court heard Boyes had a long list of convictions for theft and dishonesty and was in breach of a conditional discharge for criminal damage.

Lewis Pearson, mitigating, told magistrates when Boyes committed the offences he was homeless after a family feud.

He added Boyes had not targeted elderly people and had been “picked on” while in custody for his crimes.

He said: “He had nothing and could not get any benefits either so he didn’t have a bean.

“He found himself homeless and therefore attempted this scam.

“It wasn’t a very successful scam as he only ended up gaining £10 and he is before you now in court.”