Ruined by £1m 'win' (From Barry And District News)

Ruined by £1m 'win'

THE CHEATING trio who tricked their way to the £1 million jackpot prize on 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' are facing an uncertain future.

Ex-Sully Army Major Charles Ingram, his wife Diana and local college lecturer Tecwen Whittock were convicted by a ten to one majority at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.

Both Ingrams were given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, each fined £15,000 and each ordered to pay £10,000 costs.

Whittock was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and fined £10,000 with £7,500 costs.

Failure to pay the fines within three months will mean the Ingrams will have to serve nine months in jail and Whittock six months.

Ingram and his wife Diana, who met at Barry College in 1989, may now lose everything.

They face a heavy financial bill, Major Ingram may lose his job which in turn would force them to lose their army-owned home.

Whittock, who is also reported to be heavily in debt, may also face the sack from Pontypridd College.

All three are considering an appeal

Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC, imposing the sentences, said: "I'm not at all sure it was sheer greed that motivated you - I am sure all three were besotted with quiz shows and wanting to be successful.

"It was a shabby schoolboy trick you planned and had no notion it would go on to win £1 million - it was more by luck than good management it did.

"It was plain from all the evidence the joy was shortlived, and it turned sour when you realised you'd gone too far."

Describing it as a "most unusual and exceptional case," the judge went on to commend the police officers involved in the investigation.