Infamous Conman Sentenced to Six Years for Assaulting French Officers

The notorious British conman, Robert Hendy-Freegard, has been sentenced to six years in a French prison after running over two policemen while trying to evade questioning in central France.

 

A notorious British conman, Robert Hendy-Freegard, has received a six-year prison sentence in France after a worrying incident where he drove his car into two policemen while attempting to evade questions. The 53-year-old, who previously served four years in a UK prison for kidnapping and fraud, had been living under a false identity in rural France. Several Netflix documentaries had recently rekindled public interest in his controversial past, revealing his history of deception and manipulation, including posing as an MI5 officer to defraud women and students out of over £1 million.

Hendy-Freegard, who had moved to central France to unlawfully breed beagles, claimed in court he acted out of fear and panic when confronted by local law enforcement officers in the small village of Vidaillat. He described the moment as emotionally overwhelming, asserting that it was not his intention to harm.

The prosecution described the incident as reminiscent of a chaotic movie scene, emphasizing that it transformed the peaceful rural area into a frightening tableau. One officer was knocked to the ground, while another was slammed against the car's windscreen upon impact.

Despite a history of previous legal battles, including the quashing of some convictions in the UK, Hendy-Freegard continues to face scrutiny over accusations of coercive control over his partner, Sandra Clifton, who was reportedly being held under his influence. Local residents, backed by media portrayals of his past, have expressed concern for Clifton's safety, prompting a response from authorities.

Mayor Martine Laporte voiced her worries in light of the trial's revelations, stating that Hendy-Freegard's manipulative nature poses ongoing risks to society. She stressed the need for him to be permanently removed from the community, citing fears that if released, he would revert to his deceptive practices.