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A fraudster is facing jail after conning victims out of sponsorship money for a marathon race he never ran.

Barber Jonathan Sterry, 41, falsely claimed he was running a marathon for charity and collecting money for his sister who had cancer.

A court heard Sterry turned up with fake sponsorship forms and took donations from five neighbours and well-wishers.

But he pocketed the money for himself – and never took one step in the marathon.

Sterry pleaded guilty to defrauding three women and two men and possessing an “article for fraud” with his sponsorship forms.

He appeared via videolink at Newport Crown Court, over the marathon con in Pengam, on July 2.

Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins said victim impact statements would be provided by the five neighbours who offered donations.

Ms Smith-Higgins said the prosecutors may seek a restraining order banning scam artist Sterry from the area where his crimes took place.

Kevin Seal, defending, said: “There are medical reports we will be seeking prior to sentence relating to his physical and mental health.”

Mr Seal said Sterry had twice been admitted to mental health facilities in the past 18 months and “prior to his arrest had a community psychiatric nurse and social worker who were supposedly looking after his welfare.”

Unemployed barber Sterry, of Cefn Fforest, was remanded in custody.