A MAN has been convicted of fraud after deceiving a grieving mother out of money she was awarded following the death of her son in Afghanistan.

Gary Sheehy, 50, of Chetwynd Mead, Bampton, pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court yesterday to two counts of fraud by false representation.

He tricked the 58-year-old woman into investing in a business venture which involved selling camping equipment, between June 9 and November 20 2011.

Police said Sheehy had no intention of starting this business and deceived the victim into handing over sums of £3,500 and £850.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Dick White said: “This was an extremely vulnerable time for the victim who had just lost her son, who had been serving as a marine in the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan.

“The money the offender obtained was part of the life insurance awarded to the victim following his death.”

Sheehy will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on March 24.