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Ex-Soldier Who Faked Paternity Test With Friend’s DNA Gets Suspended Sentence

Investigators exposed the ruse through DNA retesting, phone records, location data.

Overview

  • Cardiff Crown Court sentenced Gareth Lloyd, 59, and Phillip Jones, 61, for conspiracy to defraud after guilty pleas.
  • Lloyd received 12 months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months plus 100 hours of unpaid work, while Jones received three months suspended for 12 months.
  • Prosecutors said Lloyd denied paternity and had Jones pose as him for a DNA test at a Llandaff clinic after a Deduction of Earnings Order triggered testing.
  • Police checks with the clinic, telecom and social media analysis, and location data, followed by retesting, matched the original sample to Jones; he admitted taking the test, while Lloyd gave no comment in interview.
  • The court recorded an estimated loss of about £12,426 and heard Lloyd has repaid more than £10,000, with both men described as ex-Welsh Guards and their backgrounds cited in mitigation.