'Despicable' preacher sentenced for selling £91 'plague kit' to cure COVID

Arabnews24.ca:Monday 6 February 2023 11:21 AM: A London preacher who sold a "plague protection kit" to guard against COVID has been given a suspended jail sentence and ordered to pay £60,000.

Bishop Climate Wiseman, 47, was convicted of fraud after selling the package made up of an oil mixture and scarlet yarn.

The trial heard he claimed it would form an "invisible barrier" against COVID and that the virus "can't stand the power of the oil".

In a video at the start of the pandemic, he urged his followers and their families to purchase the kit as soon as possible after warning they could "end up dropping dead".

Wiseman, head of The Kingdom Church in Camberwell, told the court he had a visitation from God telling him he was a prophet who could cure the disease.

Ten people from his congregation, including nurses, said they were cured or prevented from getting COVID after inhaling the £91 oil or rubbing it on their skin.

The mixture contained hyssop, cedarwood and olive oil.

Southwark Trading Standards started investigating on 24 March 2020, the day after the first lockdown started.

Wiseman and his church were also investigated in 2016 for selling an oil that was said to cure cancer and he also offered other products, including an oil to help in court cases.

He denied fraud and two alternative counts and insisted his remedy was based on the Bible's teachings.

However, a jury found him guilty in December and a judge at Inner London Crown Court has now passed sentence.

Wiseman's one-year prison term is suspended for two years, meaning he won't go to prison unless he commits another offence.

He was also told to do 130 hours' community work.

A Southwark Council spokesperson called his actions "despicable" and said he had abused his power.

"Wiseman has promised people false cures for many years now, saying his oils cure COVID, cancer, HIV and more, when they patently can't do anything of the sort.

"It was vital that people followed government advice during the pandemic, and doctor's advice when seriously ill. Suggesting otherwise is irresponsible and could well put people at serious risk."