Two men from Essex convicted of using counterfeit £2 coins to defraud several service station slot machines of £3,000 have been given a community service order by Colchester Magistrates’ Court.
Shane Flack and John Burke together admitted nine counts of fraud by false representation, having been caught on CCTV using 124 of the fake coins between 28 December 2023 and 5 January 2024.
“The offences took place at service stations and shops that had slot machines, where they were playing with fake £2 coins,” said prosecutor Rebecca Debenham. “The win was then paid out in real £2 coins.
“The complainants noticed when the machines were emptied. Both were caught on CCTV playing the machines.”
A statement from Welcome Break called Flack and Burker “organised criminal brutes” whose “criminal activity raised concerns for the welfare of customers and staff.”
Passing sentence, the bench gave Flack a community order, requiring him to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
“The order also included a victim surcharge of £114, £55 in costs, and £1,642 in compensation,” reported the Echo. “Burke was fined £200 and will also have to pay a victim surcharge of £80, costs of £55 and £1,642 in compensation.”
Originally published on Coinslot on February 16, 2026. Republished with permission.