Art forgery pensioner spared jail

George Greenhalgh helped his son to sell the fake artefacts

A pensioner who sold fake "antiques" his son had made in the family's garden shed has been spared jail.

George Greenhalgh, 84, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, sold the objects to museums and art houses, claiming he had found or inherited them.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and given a two year suspended sentence at Bolton Crown Court.

The judge had adjourned sentencing in November to find out if any jails would be able to accommodate the pensioner.

George's son Shaun Greenhalgh, 47, was jailed for four years and eight months last year.

His wife Olive Greenhalgh, 83, was given a suspended jail term of 12 months after admitting conspiracy to defraud.

The family made at least £850,000 from the scam, including selling the fake Egyptian statue "Princess Amarna" to Bolton Museum for £440,000.