Callous cheat on the run

Jan 27 2006 By Tony Deeley, Birmingham Mail

A WOMAN who faces jail over a "charity" collection has still to be brought to justice - eight weeks after failing to attend court.

Katy Smith collected cash for the family of schoolboy hit and run victim Jamie Mason and pocketed it herself, Wolverhampton magistrates were told.

Smith, 21, of Blackhalve Lane, Wednesfield, has admitted obtaining money by deception and has asked for 18 additional offences to be considered.

She was to have appeared before the magistrates on December 1 for sentencing on deception charges, but failed to turn up.

The magistrates issued a warrant for her arrest and West Midlands Police today confirmed it was still outstanding.

At a previous court hearing Smith was warned by the magistrates that she faced a prison sentence.

The magistrates were told that she targeted elderly and vulnerable people during March by saying she was collecting to aid the boy's family.

A spokeswoman at the court confirmed that the warrant for Smith's arrest was still outstanding.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "Anyone who is subject to a warrant will be arrested if they are seen by the police."

Jamie, aged 12, was killed last January when he was knocked down in Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, near his home.

Car driver Aaron Chisango was jailed for two months for drink-driving and having no licence or insurance.