Fake-cancer man allegedly fleeced fellow Catholics

A man who allegedly told Catholic churchgoers he needed money to pay for cancer treatment is facing fraud charges of $216,610.

Gerard Francis Marychurch appeared yesterday in the Auckland District Court, where nine charges were laid for alleged offences between February 2005 and May 2009.

Court documents show the amount of cash the 39-year-old allegedly obtained by deception during that time ranged from $350 to $150,460, totalling $216,610.

Marychurch entered no plea to the charges and was bailed to reappear on November 19.

Marychurch is alleged to have told fellow parishioners that he was dying from cancer and needed money to pay for treatment. Instead, it is alleged he spent the money to feed a gambling addiction.

In a signed letter distributed around the St Francis & St Therese Church in Pt Chevalier, Marychurch apparently apologised, according to the Sunday News.

"I have at times been unwell and have been under medical advice but apart from a few medical accounts, the rest of the money I have obtained has gone into feeding my gambling addiction," the letter reads.

"I now have to face the legal system but I am taking each step at a time, including facing those whom I have hurt and my gambling addiction.

"To all members of the parish I would like to offer my sincere apology."

Marychurch asks churchgoers to "please keep me in your prayers".