Lincoln ticket conman admits scam but avoids jail People scammed to feed gambling addiction | Photo: The Lincolnite A Lincoln fraudster addicted to gambling, who scammed 85 victims by selling them non-existent tickets to events worth up to £9,0000, has been convicted but spared jail. Jesse Wilkinson gained the trust of his victims during online chats over Facebook, which began with him commiserating with them when they missed out on tickets for in-demand events. Jeremy Janes, prosecuting, said Wilkinson needed the money to fund his gambling habit which had spiralled out of control as he sought a big win to recoup his losses.