Man convicted over cancer 'cure'

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A Manchester man has been convicted of advertising a "natural cure" for cancer on the internet.

Andrew Harris, 49, of Sale, advertised "Triamazon" on two websites as a natural alternative for treating all types of cancer.

He was convicted under the Cancer Act of 1939 of taking part in the publication of adverts offering to treat people for cancer.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge by Trafford magistrates.

The 1939 act made it illegal to offer a cure for cancer or to offer advice on how to treat it in any advertisement outside the medical profession.

Complaints made

Trafford Council brought the prosecution after several complaints to Trading Standards over two years.

The pills were sold at £250 for 100 pills, half a course of treatment. It was claimed they would halt cancerous growths and put patients into remission.

Jonathan Coupe, executive councillor for Environmental Services at Trafford Council, said: "This is an unusual and rare case under legislation that is nearly 70 years old.

"We are pleased that this case has resulted in a conviction which will hopefully raise awareness of this type of crime.

"The law has stood the test of time precisely because it is as important now as it ever was that people are protected from those peddling unproven products with spurious claims as to their effects."

Harris, of Buxton Crescent, was also ordered to pay £350 costs.