A "thoroughly dishonest man" has been jailed after conning cash out of people for bogus limousine rides.

Anthony Sweeney, a father-of-eight, has been jailed for three years for more than 100 dishonesty offences, including selling charity raffle tickets and keeping the cash for himself.

Great Ormond Street childrens' hospital had no idea Sweeney was selling the tickets for £10 each on its behalf and pocketing the cash, a court heard.

He went on to tell the holders they had won a prize in the raffle - and fleeced them further.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Sweeney contacted the ticket-holders to say they had won a limousine ride, but would have to put down a refundable £100 deposit before claiming it.

He cashed the cheques, but they never saw the flashy car. Most were told it was in for repairs at the last minute.

Sweeney, 36, of Henry Lauger Court, Balkerne Heights, Colchester, admitted eight charges of obtaining property by deception and asked for 107 offences to be taken into consideration.