JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
It is “outrageous” that a convicted fraudster tracked by Sky News in Tenerife is still at large, the Speaker of the House of Commons has said.
Pamela Gwinnett isolated 89-year-old Joan Green from her family during that time Covid-19 pandemicconvinces Joan to provide a lasting power of attorney, then raids her life savings.
Gwinnett spending almost £300,000 of retired accountant Joan’s money about Botox, expensive food and the mortgage on the property he owns.
He fled to Tenerife and did not attend his trial, but was sentenced to six years in prison in his absence last year for theft and fraud by abuse of office.
Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoylewho is the local MP for Ms Green’s family, told Sky News: “Here he is, found guilty, sentenced to six years.
“What a great way to get your punishment, in the sunshine of Tenerife! Luxury.
“Living in an apartment, sunbathing every day, going out to eat.”
He added: “People will ask – why? I also ask why. The extradition order must be done now. Enough is enough. Let’s move on.”
When Sky News caught up with Gwinnett at her home in Tenerife.
The chief said he was worried there might be other victims out there.
“My concern is, how many other people have also lost money in the same way?” he said.
She added: “He’s a master at manipulating vulnerable people. So please, if there are others out there, please come forward. I don’t think this is a one-off case. I wish it was, but I don’t think so.”
Joan, from Chorley, Lancashiredied in 2022.
Gwinnett, 63, fled to Tenerife in breach of his bail conditions while awaiting trial and has been living in a beautiful beachside apartment in the south of the island for the past 11 months.
When Sky News contacted him, despite his beliefs, he claimed Joan’s family had taken the money, adding: “They made me a scapegoat.”
The chairman said it was “appalling” that Lancashire Police initially ignored Joan’s family’s concerns and treated it as a civil matter.
Youth MPs attend a session at the House of Commons in London
Read more from Sky News:
Nazi-obsessed teenager describes himself as ‘hell incarnate’
British soldiers join the search for the remains of a mother and child murdered 50 years ago
When presented with the same evidence – a gaping hole in Joan’s bank account – Greater Manchester Police launched a criminal investigation.
Lancashire Police said: “We can confirm that in March 2023 we were contacted in relation to allegations of fraud.
Gwinnett had been indicted and was awaiting trial when he fled to Tenerife. photo: GMP
“Our handling of these allegations is currently in the ongoing complaint process with our Professional Standards Department and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The speaker thanked Sky News for our investigation into Gwinnett.
“These people are defrauding vulnerable people,” he said. “Without you, we would not have highlighted this case nationally and internationally.”
