A ROSSENDALE man has confessed to trying to obtain money from a deaf couple in Berkshire for a non-existent surrogate child.

Gino Di Caprio, 52, from Rawtenstall, had been due to face a week-long trial at Reading Crown Court over the scam.

But Di Caprio, of Old Row, off Haslingden Road, has admitted a charge of false representation involving the couple, between January 2012 and August 2013.

Di Caprio was arrested by Thames Valley Police last September. Police have not confirmed how much money was alleged to have been obtained as a result of the fraud.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on February 28.