Cheating major faces sack

Major Ingram escaped prison because he has a young family

The major who cheated his way to the top prize on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? could be thrown out of the Army next week.

Major Charles Ingram, who used an accomplice's coded coughs to answer questions on the quiz, will face a panel of generals at a private hearing.

A veteran of the Bosnian conflict, he was convicted earlier this year of deception, along with his wife Diana and Welsh college lecturer Tecwen Whittock, 53.

A military discharge would mean Ingram, a father of three, could lose his five-bedroom house in Easterton, Wiltshire, which is rented by the Army on his behalf.

A friend of the family, who did not wish to be identified, said the Major expected to receive an administrative discharge, not a dishonourable discharge, meaning he would be allowed to keep his Army pension.

Suspended sentence

It was not clear whether Ingram would appear before the board in person.

He has already said he would be prepared to take work on a farm to support his family should he lose his job.

The Ingrams, both 39, were each fined £15,000, ordered to pay £10,000 costs, and received 18-month prison sentences, suspended for two years.

Whittock, from Whitchurch, Cardiff, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, also suspended for two years, and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £7,500 in costs.

The judge at Southwark Crown Court spared them jail because of their young families, telling them to "thank their lucky stars".

Profiting from crime

The Ingrams have received various offers of work since their appearance in court, which made headlines around the world.

Although they are banned by law from profiting from their crime in the UK, they could make money from it by working abroad.

Ingram is understood to be writing a book about his experiences and has received invitations to give after-dinner speeches.