Father Faked Paternity Test with Friend’s DNA Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• Gareth Lloyd, 59, from Rumney, Cardiff, allegedly used his friend Phillip Jones, 61, from Tremorfa, Cardiff, to provide a DNA sample at a clinic to fake a paternity test.
• Lloyd, a former soldier and ex-Welsh Guard, had a casual relationship with a woman from 2012 to 2018, during which she became pregnant.
• Lloyd told his former partner, “it’s not mine, get rid,” when informed of the pregnancy.
• The woman did not tell Lloyd when the child was born but applied to the Child Maintenance Service in 2023, naming him as the father.
• Jones provided the DNA sample, claiming it was his own, after Lloyd allegedly altered a photo to make Jones resemble him more.
• Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud at Cardiff Crown Court.
• The fraud resulted in an estimated loss of around £12,426 to the Child Maintenance Service and victims.
• Lloyd has reimbursed over £10,000 and established a relationship with his daughter.
• Sentencing occurred on Thursday, with Lloyd’s defence expressing his remorse.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) April 16, 2026 – A former soldier faces sentencing after admitting to using his friend’s DNA to falsify a paternity test and evade child maintenance payments, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

What Happened in the Paternity Fraud Case?

Gareth Lloyd, 59, of Castle Avenue in Rumney, Cardiff, and Phillip Jones, 61, of Handley Road in Tremorfa, Cardiff, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud. As reported by Emily Davies of WalesOnline, the case stemmed from a casual relationship between Lloyd and a woman from 2012 to 2018, during which she became pregnant. The woman made repeated attempts to contact Lloyd about the pregnancy, but he did not respond until telling her, “it’s not mine, get rid.”

The woman did not inform Lloyd of the child’s birth. In 2023, she applied to the Child Maintenance Service, identifying Lloyd as the father. Lloyd then arranged for Jones to attend a DNA testing clinic in Cardiff in his place. As detailed by Rebecca Taylor of the Daily Mail, Lloyd allegedly modified a photograph of Jones submitted to the clinic to make him look more like Lloyd.

Jones told the clinic the sample was his own, supporting Lloyd’s denial of paternity. The test returned a negative result, allowing Lloyd to avoid payments initially. Mr. Dickens, prosecuting, stated the estimated loss to the Child Maintenance Service and victims totalled around £12,426.

Why Did Gareth Lloyd Deny Paternity?

Lloyd’s response to the pregnancy news was immediate rejection. According to MSN reports citing court proceedings, the former Welsh Guard informed his ex-partner bluntly: “it’s not mine, get rid.” He ceased communication after pressuring her on the matter, as covered across multiple outlets including the Daily Mail and WalesOnline.

The woman proceeded without his involvement at the time of birth. Only years later, through the official Child Maintenance Service application, did the issue resurface. Lloyd’s actions escalated when faced with the formal claim, leading to the arrangement with Jones.

How Was the Fraud Discovered?

The scheme unravelled after the mother challenged the negative DNA result. Court documents presented at Cardiff Crown Court revealed discrepancies in the sample process. Jones admitted attending the clinic on Lloyd’s behalf, confirming Lloyd had edited the photo for submission.

As reported by Emily Davies of WalesOnline, Jones indicated Lloyd modified the image to enhance resemblance. This led to investigations confirming Lloyd as the biological father. Both men entered guilty pleas during proceedings on Thursday.

What Did the Court Hear About the Defendants?

Lloyd, a former soldier, resides in Rumney. His barrister, Owen Williams, told the court that Lloyd felt “deeply remorseful and ashamed.” Williams noted Lloyd had reimbursed over £10,000 of the defrauded amount and has since built a relationship with his daughter.

Jones, from Tremorfa, cooperated by providing the sample as requested. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, with sentencing details emerging from the hearing. Mr. Dickens outlined the financial impact precisely at £12,426.

The Mirror’s coverage by an unnamed reporter highlighted Lloyd’s military background as an ex-Welsh Guard. No further personal details on Jones were specified in reports.

When and Where Did Key Events Unfold?

The relationship spanned 2012 to 2018 in Cardiff. Pregnancy notification and Lloyd’s response occurred during that period. The child was born without Lloyd’s knowledge, per the mother’s account.

The Child Maintenance Service application came in 2023. The DNA test fraud took place at a Cardiff clinic shortly after. Sentencing hearing: Thursday at Cardiff Crown Court.

Who Is Involved in the Cardiff Paternity Test Fraud?

• Gareth Lloyd, 59: Primary defendant, Rumney resident, ex-soldier, father in question.
• Phillip Jones, 61: Friend who provided DNA sample, Tremorfa resident.
• The mother: Unnamed ex-partner, applied for maintenance in 2023.
• Child Maintenance Service: Victim of the £12,426 loss.
• Mr. Dickens: Prosecutor.
• Owen Williams: Lloyd’s barrister.

Court attribution ensures all statements trace to proceedings.

What Are the Legal Consequences So Far?

Both defendants admitted guilt to conspiracy to defraud. Sentencing followed the pleas at Cardiff Crown Court. Lloyd’s repayment of over £10,000 was noted, alongside his new relationship with the daughter.

No final sentence lengths were detailed in immediate reports, but the guilty pleas conclude the trial phase. The financial loss figure of £12,426 stands as the quantified impact.

Background of the Development

The case reflects a pattern in child maintenance disputes where paternity denial leads to fraudulent tests. Gareth Lloyd’s actions began with rejection in 2012-2018, escalated via the 2023 application, and culminated in the clinic visit. Cardiff Crown Court handled proceedings on 19 March 2026, with prior UK cases like William Boswarva’s 2024 Liverpool fraud showing similar schemes using proxies. The Child Maintenance Service enforces payments post-confirmation, making verified DNA critical. Lloyd’s military past and local ties in Rumney-Tremorfa frame the personal context, while repayments indicate post-exposure resolution.

Predictions: Impact on Parents and Families

This development can affect separated parents by increasing scrutiny on DNA testing processes. Courts and the Child Maintenance Service may tighten clinic verification, requiring photo IDs or live checks to prevent proxies. Fathers denying paternity face higher risks of fraud charges, with losses like £12,426 leading to repayments and jail time. Mothers pursuing claims could see faster resolutions through appeals, but delays persist if fraud occurs. Families in Wales, especially Cardiff, might experience stricter enforcement, raising compliance costs. Children stand to gain stable support if biological ties are confirmed accurately, though emotional ties like Lloyd’s later relationship show variable outcomes. Overall, it prompts procedural reforms without altering core maintenance laws.