A BEGGAR who harassed dozens of households by pretending his daughter was dying of leukaemia has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) banning him from collecting money for charity.

Kelly Jones, 41, of Rose Lane, Chadwell Heath, dressed as a fireman as he called at homes across Redbridge with his sob story, demanding residents buy raffle tickets to help pay for his daughter’s fictional illness.

After a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week, Jones was slapped with an ASBO banning him from knocking on the door of anyone in England unless he has a prior appointment or unless any visits are part of “legitimate paid employment by a third party” for ten years.

He is also banned from selling raffle tickets, collecting money for charity or possessing raffle tickets.

Additionally, Jones must not wear any clothing with any type of police, fire or ambulance service badge or insignia, and must not claim to represent the emergency services anywhere in England and Wales, nor can he claim any friend or family member is suffering from a serious or terminal illness.

Sgt Christopher Chandler, of Fullwell Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Kelly Paul Jones is a serial offender. He preys on the goodwill of decent people making false claims that his daughter has a terminal illness and then uses the proceeds for his own selfish ends.

“This conviction sends a clear message that this is not acceptable in a decent society and the imposition of the ASBO will help police curtail his activities after release.

“I would like to thank the victims who came forward to give us statements and particularly the members Heathcote and Cheriton Neighbourhood watch who’s help and support is a model example of police and community working together to successfully prosecute people like Jones.”

A police spokeswoman added: “If Jones breaches his ASBO conditions he commits an offence. Please inform police by either calling 999 if he is committing a crime, or if you have information about him breaching his ASBO contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team.”

Jones was also sentenced to 14 months in prison last week for related offences.