Did a Heartless Carer Who Stole £300,000 and Fled to Tenerife Just Get Told to Sell Their Home?

A court has ordered Pamela Gwinnett, a fraudster known as the ‘black widow’, to sell her home to repay nearly £300,000 she defrauded from vulnerable pensioner Joan Green. Gwinnett, who manipulated Green into believing her family mistreated her, was found guilty of fraud and theft after stealing from the elderly woman, even after her death in November 2022. This case underscores the severe consequences of financial exploitation, particularly against the elderly.

Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Pamela Gwinnett, 62, is facing a confiscation order after being convicted of defrauding Joan Green out of £350,180.79. The court has mandated that Gwinnett sell her home in Adlington to cover the stolen funds. This ruling came during a Proceeds of Crime Hearing where Judge Michael Maher stated that if Gwinnett fails to pay the amount within three months, she could face an additional 42 months in prison. Gwinnett remains in Tenerife, where she fled after being charged, and intends to appeal her convictions.

Key takeaways

Pamela Gwinnett defrauded Joan Green of nearly £300,000, even stealing funds after Green's death.
Gwinnett has been ordered to sell her home to repay the stolen money.
If she fails to pay the confiscation order, she could face up to 42 months in prison.
Judge Maher highlighted the severity of Gwinnett's manipulation and exploitation of Green.
Gwinnett's appeal against her convictions is pending while she remains in Tenerife.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events surrounding Pamela Gwinnett's fraudulent activities reveals a pattern of manipulation and deceit aimed at exploiting Joan Green's wealth:

March 2020: Joan Green is moved into a care home by Gwinnett during the COVID-19 lockdown.
November 2022: Joan Green passes away, with Gwinnett continuing to steal her money posthumously.
October 2022: Gwinnett is tried in her absence and sentenced to six years in prison.
April 2023: Gwinnett attempts to vary bail conditions to travel to Tenerife, claiming a personal reason, but is denied.
Current: A confiscation order is issued, requiring Gwinnett to sell her property in Adlington.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The court has issued a confiscation order demanding that Gwinnett repay £350,180.79, which includes the money stolen from Joan Green. Judge Maher’s comments during the hearing reflect the severity and premeditated nature of the fraud, noting that the amount stolen exceeds the proposed confiscation.

What was already established

It was previously known that Gwinnett had exploited Joan Green's trust and isolated her from family. Court hearings have detailed how Gwinnett manipulated Green into naming her as a lasting power of attorney, allowing her to access Green's finances freely.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This case highlights the vulnerabilities of elderly individuals in the UK, particularly regarding financial abuse. It serves as a warning to families to remain vigilant about the well-being of their elderly relatives, especially in the context of caregiving relationships.

Businesses and jobs

For financial and care service providers, this case raises concerns about the oversight of power of attorney arrangements and the importance of safeguarding against fraud within vulnerable populations. Businesses may need to implement stricter protocols to protect clients from financial exploitation.

Policy and regulation

This case could prompt discussions around regulatory measures for better protecting elderly individuals from financial abuse. There may be calls for updated legislation regarding the power of attorney to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Numbers that matter

£350,180.79: Total amount ordered to be repaid by Gwinnett through the confiscation order.
£161,000: Amount stolen from Joan Green before her capacity was deemed compromised.
42 months: Potential prison sentence Gwinnett faces for failing to comply with the confiscation order.
6 years: Length of Gwinnett's original prison sentence for her fraudulent actions.
89: Age of Joan Green at the time of her death, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals.

Definitions and jargon buster

Power of Attorney: A legal document allowing one person to act on another's behalf in legal or financial matters.
Confiscation Order: A court order to seize assets or money obtained through illegal means.
Fraud: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, observers should monitor whether Gwinnett will comply with the confiscation order or seek to appeal her convictions. The court's timeline for payment may influence how quickly the property sale proceeds.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, it will be important to see if any changes in legislation arise from this case regarding elder protection measures, especially in relation to power of attorney regulations.

Signals to watch

Updates on Gwinnett's appeal process and any legal developments regarding her case.
Potential changes in laws or regulations related to elder financial protection and power of attorney.
Any initiatives or campaigns aimed at raising awareness about financial abuse of the elderly.

Practical guidance

Do

Regularly check in on elderly relatives to ensure their well-being and financial safety.
Educate yourself about the signs of financial abuse and how to report it.
Consider consulting legal professionals when setting up power of attorney arrangements.

Don’t

Ignore any signs of withdrawal or behavioural changes in elderly relatives.
Assume that a caregiver has your loved one's best interests at heart without verification.
Delay action if you suspect financial exploitation is occurring.

Checklist

Have you discussed financial safety with your elderly relatives?
Do you have a trusted legal advisor for matters related to power of attorney?
Are you familiar with the signs of financial exploitation?
Have you set up regular check-ins with your elderly loved ones?
Are you aware of the reporting procedures for suspected financial abuse?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the court has issued a confiscation order, there is uncertainty surrounding Gwinnett's ability to pay the amount due, particularly given her current residency in Tenerife. The appeal process may also delay any restitution to the estate of Joan Green. Legal proceedings can be unpredictable, and the outcomes may vary depending on various factors, including Gwinnett's legal representation and any further evidence presented during her appeal.

Bottom line

The case of Pamela Gwinnett serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly and the potential for exploitation by those they trust. The court's decision to mandate the sale of her home to repay the stolen funds is a significant step towards justice for Joan Green's estate. Families should remain vigilant in protecting their elderly relatives from similar situations, highlighting the need for increased public awareness around financial abuse.

FAQs

What is the ‘black widow’ fraud case about?

The ‘black widow’ fraud case involves Pamela Gwinnett, who defrauded elderly pensioner Joan Green of nearly £300,000, even after Green's death in November 2022.

What penalties does Gwinnett face?

Gwinnett has been ordered to repay £350,180.79 and could face up to 42 months in prison if she fails to comply with the confiscation order.

What can families do to protect elderly relatives?

Families should regularly check in on elderly relatives, educate themselves about financial abuse signs, and consult legal professionals regarding power of attorney arrangements.