He 'gained a good reputation' at Man City, Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils... then left dozens of people disgusted

A former employee of Manchester City, Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils conned victims out of thousands of pounds by selling them fake concert and football tickets.

Craig Hookham, of Medlock Way in Whitefield, Bury tricked more than 50 people across the globe into believing they were purchasing concert tickets for artists, including Adele and Justin Timberlake, and seats at a number of football and rugby matches at venues all over the country. Only 45 of his victims were able to be traced, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Hookham was yesterday (March 18) jailed for 28 months after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation.

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Nick Ross, prosecuting, told the court that the 39-year-old sold the fraudulent tickets over the course of around two years. He said the Covid-pandemic and lockdowns ‘played into his hands’ by allowing Hookham to use the excuse that the fake concerts had been postponed when in reality they never existed.

From October 1, 2018, to August 29, 2020, Hookham made £123,380 selling tickets to fake sport events. From October 29, 2018 to June 13, 2020, he made a further £49,450 by selling tickets to fictitious music events - bringing the total amount he made to £172,830.

Mr Ross told the court that Hookham had previously worked in hospitality for Manchester City, Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks and ‘gained a good reputation for sourcing tickets for hospitality events’

In the summer of 2018 he left Sale Sharks and set up his own business selling tickets. Hookham contacted several of