A fraudster who forged the signatures of notable British figures scammed more than £33,000 out of collectors and enthusiasts by claiming they were real. Allan Formhals, 68, lived a 'criminal lifestyle' by selling books that he said were signed by top historical and literary names such as Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Winston Churchill, Southampton Crown Court heard. Other signatures he faked included those of the former Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell, author Joseph Conrad and The Hobbit Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien. Scam: Allan Formhals, pictured leaving court yesterday, lived a 'criminal lifestyle' by selling books that he said were signed by top historical names such as Queen Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and Picasso, pictured right
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Allan Formhals claimed books contained signatures of iconic British figures
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Forged signatures also included authors J.R.R. Tolkien And Joseph Conrad
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He made more than £33,000 selling the fakes to collectors and enthusiasts
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He was must now pay back money he earned during the nine-month scam
The conman convinced a @placeholder enthusiast that books contained the former Prime Minister's signature.