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Snooker player Stephen Lee pleads guilty to fraud Stephen Lee guilty of snooker cue fraud sale to Facebook fan
(about 1 hour later)
The former world number five snooker player Stephen Lee has pleaded guilty to fraud. The former world number five snooker player Stephen Lee has been fined after selling his personal cue to a Facebook fan for £1,600 then failing to send it.
The 39-year-old, who lives in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, had been charged with fraud by false representation in relation to the sale of a snooker cue. The victim who is based in Hong Kong paid the money into Lee's wife's bank account after Lee agreed to arrange for modifications to be made to the cue.
Lee, who has been a professional player for more than 20 years and has won five ranking titles, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court. The money was transferred but the 39-year-old continued to use the cue.
Last month his appeal against a 12-year ban for match-fixing was dismissed. Lee pleaded guilty to fraud at Swindon Magistrates' Court and was fined £110 and ordered to pay back the £1,600.
Lee was found guilty of seven charges in 2008 and 2009 including one concerning a World Championship match after a tribunal hearing in September last year. 'Drop the charges'
He was also told to pay £85 costs and a £20 surcharge to the victim, Marco Fai Pak Shek.
The court heard when there was no sign of the snooker cue Mr Shek made a report to the police.
Prosecutor Michelle Hewitt told the court Lee had promised to send the cue along with letters of authenticity from himself and John Parris but when the police carried out an investigation he was still using the cue as his own personal property.
Lee, who lives in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, was then arrested.
Ms Hewitt said Lee emailed Mr Shek saying he was going to personally deliver the cue.
The email read: "If you want the cue, you need to drop the charges and I will sign some pictures for you."
Mr Shek refused to drop the charges and the case continued.
Match-fixing
Mark Glendenning representing Lee said his client had repeatedly apologised for failing to send the cue and had previously sold items to fans on his Facebook site without incident.
He said Lee had found himself embroiled in a number of difficulties which had taken up his time but "accepts in full he should have sent this cue".
Last month Lee's appeal against a 12-year ban for match-fixing was dismissed.
He was found guilty of seven charges in 2008 and 2009 including one concerning a World Championship match after a tribunal hearing in September last year.
He had also appealed against having to pay £40,000 costs, which have now been increased to £75,000.He had also appealed against having to pay £40,000 costs, which have now been increased to £75,000.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association said he was involved in "the worst case of snooker corruption we've seen".The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association said he was involved in "the worst case of snooker corruption we've seen".
Lee has been a professional player for more than 20 years and has won five ranking titles.