Accused cancer conman rants at court

An alleged conman accused of posing as a Cancer Research UK volunteer to pocket donations for himself complained he was defending himself against ‘evil scumbags’. Phillip Hartley, 38, allegedly wore a Cancer Research UK t-shirt and hat while shaking a collection tin in Leicester Square. He began his rant outside the courtroom and said: ‘I’m here defending myself against evil scumbags. ‘That’s why all these court ushers are in black; because they’re in mourning. ‘If there’s a crime there should…