In March 2009 Edward Putman, aged 53, decided to play the UK's National Lottery.
He was paid out just over two and a half million pounds on numbers, 9, 20, 21, 31, and 34 from his ticket which he says he bought in the Malvern or Worcester areas of Worcestershire UK. What luck you are probably thinking!
Well fast foward to 2015, Hertfordshire Police's Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit began an investigation into the winning claim.
The investigation has resulted in Camelot the lottery operator being fined £3 Million for paying out the claim and Edward Putman has ended up in court accused of fraud by false representation.
Accused of claiming the £2.5m jackpot using a fake ticket with incorrect or damaged barcode Edward Putman who spent the fortune on houses and cars, could have to pay all money back if he is convicted.
Mr Putman has been granted unconditional bail. He is due back in court in April 2019 to provide a defense case statement in a trial that is expected to take around a week.
A Camelot spokesman said: 'We’re aware that an individual has been charged. 'However, while we appreciate that some people may want to know further detail, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment at this stage, given that the matter is now the subject of criminal proceedings."
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