A self-proclaimed ”distance healer” has been order to pay over £2,600 by a court after he admitted falsely claiming that he can cure cancer with his powers.
Adrian Pengelly, 43, claimed he was a ”visionary healer, energy worker, teacher and psychic” who has ”become world-famous for treating people with cancer”.
His website was laden with testimonials attesting to his supernatural abilities, many that claim he is a ”miracle worker” who has helped cure the disease.
But Pengelly, of Leominster, Herefordshire, was charged with three offences under the Cancer Act 1939, which states that it is illegal to advertise offers to treat cancer.
He was fined £600 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge at Herefordshire Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Speaking after the hearing, defiant Pengelly claimed that he has successfully treated over 20,000 people.
He said: ”I have become world famous, both for my results and for my approach, and have treated over twenty thousand people during that time.
”At all times, my healing work has been conducted with honesty, integrity and the highest possible ethics. There have been no complaints.
”Trading Standards accept that there has never been a complaint against me by anyone I have treated, but despite this, I still find myself in court. I am in court for helping people.
”I believe that honesty, truth and justice are on my side, but the law is against me, so I am extremely honoured and proud to be accused of this offence.
”It appears I am the first healer to ever be prosecuted for ‘taking part in an advertisement offering to treat any person for cancer’.
”My conscience would never allow me to turn anyone away, so if a cancer sufferer asks for my help I will give that help.”
Pengelly, who featured in a damning episode of the BBC’s Watchdog in September last year, says he is ”proud” of the charges.
He claims he realised 17 years ago that he could ”stimulate a healing response” in patients using the laying on of his hands.
Since finding his ‘gift’ he has treated 20,000 people and animals, and has a list of 13,700 who are waiting for his services which he provides for up to #30 per session.
He also claims to specialise in sending ”distance healing” to recipients around the world.
The charges relate to testimonials given on his website www.adrianpengelly.co.uk, the offending sections of which have now been blocked out with the words ”It is illegal in Britain to read this”.
One, from IL in Shropshire, stated: ”I was diagnosed August/08 with a 4cm breast cancer tumour. I had weekly healing treatments with Adrian until I was operated on four weeks later.
”My surgeons report was – the tumour when removed was 2.5cm, with no cancer spread!! I think this result speaks for itself!!”
Another, from MG in Herefordshire, said: ”In April 2007, I was diagnosed with cancer of the liver and lungs, probably secondaries of a bowl cancer. At that time, the oncologist told me I had four months to live (Six at the outside).
”I have been a patient of Adrian Pengelly since June 2007. The combination of his undoubted gifts, his high professional standards and the atmosphere of calm and harmony which he has created in his consulting room have, I am convinced, contributed greatly to my survival.”
The Cancer Act of 1939 strictly prohibits any advertisement containing an offer to treat anyone for cancer, prescribe any remedy or give advice in connection with its treatment.
* In 2004, supermarket giant Tesco was taken to court under the Cancer Act after running a promotion with Cancer Research UK encouraging people to eat healthily in a bid to prevent cancer.
