New twist in World Conker Championships cheat row as champion found with fake nut made of steel cleared of cheating

A CONKER champion found with a fake nut made of steel has been cleared of cheating.

David Jakins — known as King Conker — raised suspicions with one-hit victories at the world championships.

The 82-year-old was searched and the metal replica — painted to look like a real conker but ten times heavier — was discovered in a hidden pocket.

Jakins claimed he carried the fake for a joke and has now been backed after a probe.

The retired engineer insisted: “I’m so relieved to be cleared.

“We are gentlemen at the World Conker Championships and we don’t cheat.

“I’ve been playing and practising for decades. That’s how I won.

“I admit I had the steel conker in my pocket, but I didn’t play with it.

“I show it to people as a joke.

“But I won’t be bringing it to the tournament again.”

Jakins, who has entered the contest in Northamptonshire for 47 years in a row, won the men’s title but lost the Grand Final to the women’s champion, American Kelci Banschbach.

A spokesman said: “We have studied photos and videos of matches, interviewed judges and examined the chestnuts used by King Conker.

“The investigation has found no evidence that the steel conker was used.

“King Conker has been cleared of suspicion, and his name is being engraved on the trophy.”

Jakins, of Warmington, added: “If you think you can beat me, come and play next year.”