Over the last two decades, Rob Beal — a stocky, boyish man in his early 50s — has had a frankly unbelievable career. Alongside his day job as a senior civil servant, he somehow found the time to set up a global security firm, become an expert in airline safety and rub shoulders with football bigwigs around the world.
At least, that’s the version of reality Rob insists we live in; I’m unconvinced. As far as I can tell, the only achievement he can truly claim is that he might be one of Sheffield’s most successful media hoaxsters.
New funding to unlock young people's dreams
A new initiative designed to support gifted and talented young people has launched in South Yorkshire. With grants up to £10,000, The Mayor’s Youth Impact Fund provides funding to help young people overcome practical barriers like travel costs, access to equipment and specialised coaching or training.
To be eligible you must be aged 11 to 19, live in South Yorkshire and be able to explain how these funds would help you achieve your potential. Candidates can apply directly or be nominated by teachers, youth workers, coaches and community leaders. Apply or nominate someone below.
The Mayor's Youth Impact fund is a scheme brought by partnership between South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, and the King's Trust.
“Well, that was a difficult week,” begins a Facebook post written by The Times’ chief football correspondent Oliver Kay, after he turned a bogus story Rob fed him into headline news. “I still can't fully work out how or why that happened. All I know is that, uncharacteristically, I let my guard down.” Kay can hopefully take comfort from the fact he’s far from alone. Le Monde, France’s most popular newspaper, once published a headline describing Rob as “the pro of fake scoops”.
As pointed out by Nick Harris, a journalist who has documented many of Rob’s elaborate ruses, fooling respected national publications requires intelligence, persistence and a significant amount of charm. “If he could have channelled it properly, he could have been a decent PR man,” Nick muses to me over the phone. “It’s never been clear to me what he gets out of it.”
It’s a mystery that compels me too. Journalists like Kay rarely pay for tips and Rob doesn’t seem to want to make a name for himself as a prankster. To this day, he still maintains he’s the man he’s always claimed to be. Though it’s been three years since he and I last met, I just had to reach out one last time. I had to know why.
Sheffield deserves great journalism. You can help make it happen.
You're halfway there, the rest of the story is behind this paywall. Join the Tribune for full access to local news that matters, just £8.95/month.
SubscribeAlready have an account? Sign In
