Blaina teacher accused of 'making a fast buck' with more than £1,000 in fake notes is jailed

Eliot Williams, of Hawthorn Glade, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court earlier today after pleading guilty to possessing counterfeit currency on May 5 this year.

On November 21, 2013, officers discovered £1,100 in counterfeit notes hidden at his home and a further £60 of fake notes in his wallet.

Williams told police he had bought them from a contact through Facebook, paying £250 of his own cash for £1,000 of the fake notes.

He said he intended to use the money “day to day” while the fake cash in his wallet he was planning to spend on a service for his car. The Bank of England later confirmed the notes were counterfeit.

Kevin Seal, defending, told the court Williams has been working as an agency teacher at Llanwern High School and had been offered a full time contract. He is also due to enrol on a University of South Wales degree course starting this September.

Mr Seal said: “He involved himself without fully understanding the full extent of dealing in counterfeit currency. He now has full understanding of that.

“Making a fast buck for himself is the only explanation for the way he behaved.

“He’s had much time to reflect on this matter. There’s a great element of shame for Eliot Williams which he has brought on the family as well as remorse and anxiety on the result of today’s prosecuting.

“This may have long term ramifications on the choice of his profession.”

Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Williams. He told him: “You have no previous convictions and beyond that a number of people have taken a lot of time to write positive things about you.

“I’m sure you understand by now that the circulation of counterfeit notes undermines the economy and leaves blameless people with counterfeit notes.

“Those who involve themselves with counterfeit notes involve themselves with serious crime.”

Judge Williams said the delay in prosecuting, as well as the defendant’s good character, mitigated the offence.