Pamela Gwinnett, 63, dubbed the 'Black Widow', has been arrested in Tenerife after defrauding an 89-year-old woman out of nearly £300,000 and fleeing the UK before her trial. Spanish police detained her in Los Cristianos, where she owned a villa, on July 14, 2026, following an International Arrest Warrant. She is now set to be extradited to the UK to serve a six-year prison sentence imposed in her absence.
How Gwinnett Exploited a Vulnerable Victim
Gwinnett befriended Joan Green, a frail widow, and isolated her from family, claiming to be her carer. She gained control of Green's finances, using the stolen money for mortgage payments, luxury meals, and Botox treatments. The fraud continued even after Green's death in November 2022. At Preston Crown Court, Gwinnett was found guilty of fraud and theft, but she skipped bail and fled to Tenerife in April 2025 before the trial concluded.
Judge Michael Maher described Green as a 'cash cow to be milked until she was dry', noting that Gwinnett manipulated her way into Green's life and secured power of attorney. Gwinnett's actions included moving Green into a care home near her own residence and later padlocking the gates of Green's home to maintain control.
Arrest and Extradition Process
Spanish police released footage of Gwinnett in handcuffs, stating she was living normally in Tenerife. A National Police spokesman said: 'The events described caused significant public outrage... due to the method used and the victim's extreme vulnerability.' Gwinnett has not indicated whether she will consent to extradition or contest it, but any delay is unlikely to prevent her return.
PC Georgia Loughton of Lancashire Police said: 'I am pleased that Pamela Gwinnett will be returned to the UK where she will serve her sentence. She knowingly defrauded a vulnerable woman out of almost £300,000, cutting off all contact with her family.' Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley added: 'This arrest highlights our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who commit crimes and exploit vulnerable people.'
Impact on the Victim's Family
Green's family were denied contact with her during her final years. The stolen funds were intended to secure her old age, but instead enriched Gwinnett. The confiscation order against Gwinnett puts her home in Adlington, Lancashire, at risk. The family hopes Gwinnett's return will bring a sense of justice.
