// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
'Greedy' solicitor used fake will-writing invoices to defraud cancer charity out of thousands
The money paid to Michael Fogg could have been used by the charity to fund cancer research, the court heard
A solicitor defrauded a cancer charity out of thousands of pounds after submitting fake invoices for work he had not carried out, a court heard.
Michael Fogg, 47, of Cyncoed, Cardiff, offered his services to Cancer Research UK's free will writing scheme, but when the charity contacted people he claimed to represent, they said they had not used the solicitor.
The hearing was told the money it lost as a result of Fogg's actions could have paid for 48 biopsies.
He was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years in a hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday.
An investigation was launched by Cancer Research UK after emails and addresses for Fogg's clients were found to be non-existent.
Judge Carl Harrison said: "You had a position in the legal profession which allowed you to fund your greed."
The court heard that Cancer Research UK has been operating its scheme for 25 years, providing people with access to a free will writing service.
Solicitors employed through the scheme can charge the charity £120 plus VAT for an individual will and £170 plus VAT for mirror wills, which are wills which mirror each other which can be taken out by couples.
Prosecutor Charles Archer said Fogg and his company Trusting Willpower Ltd joined the free will service in 2021.