In 2001, ITV’s Millionaires attracted the attention of millions of viewers, with some remembering the season for its extraordinary fraud story. That’s when 38-year-old Charles Ingram suddenly became the center of a media storm when he won the show’s top prize by answering host Chris Tarrant’s questions in an unusual way.
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No one expected such a story in a popular program. The truth quickly came to light
At first glance, nothing aroused suspicion. The participant answered all the questions correctly and became a new millionaire! Or at least that’s what everyone thought… To the surprise of most people, the money that was supposed to go to the winner right after the program was withheld. Why? The first reports appeared suggesting that Charles Ingram committed fraud while participating in the program. The media was in a frenzy!
The truth came to light when it was revealed that Ingram’s accomplice, Tecwen Whittock, coughed to indicate the correct answers during the show. This intricate fraud shocked the television world! While the audience had great fun watching the participant fight for the big prize, a real intrigue was taking place behind the scenes.
What happened to Charles Ingram? There was no verdict!
After a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, on April 7, 2003, Ingram, his wife and Whittock were found guilty of their crimes. Both Ingram and Whittock received suspended prison sentences of two years – Ingram was sentenced to eighteen months and Whittock to twelve months imprisonment. Additionally, they were each fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 towards legal costs. Within two months of the verdict and sentence, the trial judge ordered the Ingrams to pay additional defense costs, leaving them to repay a total of £115,000.
After these events, Ingram’s life was quite peaceful. He lived in a small village, where he met the inhabitants and walked his dog. Despite his past, in conversations he is presented as a nice and polite neighbor whose interests remained a mystery to many.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
