25 year old Thomas Kenny, from Shirly, Solihull, was in a relationship with the mother of his two children when he embarked on an illicit affair with another woman who eventually became pregnant for him.
He put pressure on her her to have an abortion – but she refused. But rather than take responsibility, he denied paternity and even sent his lookalike to a DNA test ordered by the Child Support Agency.
Judge Philip Barker told Thomas Kenny at Birmingham Court that he ‘couldn’t sink any lower’ than trying to disown a child for his own financial gain.
Thomas, described by the judge as ‘highly manipulative’, clearly knew he was the father because when the Child Support Agency ordered he take a DNA paternity test, he sent someone else in his place to avoid paying child maintenance.
Now, after being sentenced for fraud, he has defended his shameless actions and claimed there’s more to the tale – but he wouldn’t say any more.
Mr Kenny said:
‘I pleaded guilty to it and that was that. It was a private matter but there are two sides to every story.
‘I was relieved when I came out of court that it was all over.’
At the sentencing, Judge Philip Barker QC gave a scathing account of his actions.
He said:
‘I know you are said to be the loving father of two children by your longstanding relationship, but this case shows you were prepared to disown a child for your own for financial gain. Morally, you cannot sink lower than that.’
The judge explained how Kenny had started to deny he was the father after his mistress refused to have an abortion in December 2012.
‘You wished her to have an abortion which she declined and then in December 2012, when you knew you were the father of her forthcoming child, you decided to deny paternity.
‘As a result of that, she and the child were forced to undergo DNA testing.
‘On 24 June 2013 you were required to provide a DNA sample to a doctor.
‘One way or another, you sent someone in your place.
In June 2013, the Child Support Agency demanded that Kenny, Shirley, Solihull, take a DNA test but he sent someone else in his place.
The fraud came to light after Kenny was arrested in June last year – at which point he still maintained the child was not his.
He was eventually uncovered as the father after DNA tests on his other children revealed his web of lies.
Kenny had previously admitted conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to six months suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £885 compensation and £500 costs.
The judge continued:
‘The effect of what you did was to seek to avoid payments to the child that was genuinely yours.
‘You are plainly the author of your own misfortunes.
‘I have read references from people who suggest that you are normally a well-behaved individual, but the facts show you can be thoroughly dishonest and highly manipulative.’
