A conman who scared scores of West Midland pensioners into buying his "cancer cure" has been disqualified as a company director for ten years.
David Lee, aged 65, of Sandy Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, sold vulnerable elderly men Prostectalin, a month's supply of a herbal pill he claimed prevented prostate cancer, and a herbal tea for #42.
Mr Lee, who is not believed to have any medical qualifications, traded under the name The British Prostate Association which was also known as Blue Water Partners Ltd.
His business, which was based at his Warwickshire home, had a staff of six salespeople and advertised in newspapers and on the radio.
A spokesman from the Department of Trade and Industry, which investigated Mr Lee, said: "Mr Lee and his staff used fear tactics to scare people into buying a treatment to prevent and cure prostate cancer.
"These included convincing clients they were at risk of developing prostate cancer, claiming there was a large death rate associated with the disease and telling clients their symptoms were more serious than they were.
"They also discredited NHS prescribed medicines as not being as effective as Prostectalin."
A herbal expert told Which? Consumer Association that Prostectalin contained serenoa repens, which could help urinary problems, but that a month's supply from a health food shop would cost just #10.
The High Court disqualified Mr Lee from a management role in a limited company until February 2015.
During the investigation, Mr Lee refused to reveal the names of his co-company directors and produce documents.
The DTI said The British Prostate Association had breached the Cancer Act 1939, the Business Names Act 1985 and had misled the public with adverts and promotions.
The High Court registrar said: "Mr Lee is a cynical man who preys on people's fears that they have or may have the dreaded disease of cancer. He did so in order to make a profit. In actual fact he has not made a profit from the business."
Dr Chris Hiley, head of policy and research at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "The advertisements clearly had little or no regard for the distressing effect they might have on readers."
Mr Lee could not be contacted.
