Sky News Confronts Convicted Fraudster in Tenerife After £300k Theft
A shameless fraudster who stole £300,000 from a vulnerable 89-year-old pensioner and splurged the money on Botox treatments, expensive meals, and luxury items has been tracked down by Sky News in Tenerife. Pamela Gwinnett, 63, was sentenced in her absence last October to six years in prison for theft and fraud by abuse of position, but she has been living in a picturesque seaside apartment on the Spanish island for the past 11 months, evading justice.
Isolation and Exploitation During Pandemic
Gwinnett targeted Joan Green from Chorley, Lancashire, during the COVID-19 pandemic, pretending to act as her carer while systematically isolating her from family. She convinced Joan, a retired accountant, to transfer power of attorney to her, gaining full control over her finances. With this authority, Gwinnett raided Joan's life savings, spending extravagantly on cosmetic procedures like Botox, a £22,500 car, and mortgages for properties she owned.
Joan Green died in 2022, with her step-grandson David Bolton expressing deep sorrow that she may have believed Gwinnett's lies that her family had abandoned her. David described the emotional pain caused by Gwinnett's actions, emphasizing her lack of remorse as she enjoys life in Tenerife.
Confrontation and Denial in Tenerife
When confronted by Sky News reporter Phoebe Southworth outside her Tenerife home, Gwinnett denied any wrongdoing, claiming she was not in the UK due to an ongoing appeal. She insisted, "No, never. Her family took it," and accused the family of making her a scapegoat. However, her crimes have not gone unnoticed in her apartment complex, where residents have put up posters demanding "justice for Joan Green" and labeling Gwinnett as "wanted."
Legal Proceedings and Extradition Efforts
During her sentencing, Judge Michael Maher condemned Gwinnett for treating Joan like a "cash cow to be milked" and highlighted her "self-assured shamelessness" and "brass neck." He called for her extradition, stating it is an affront to justice for her to remain in Tenerife. UK authorities are actively working to extradite Gwinnett from Spain, though police in Spain have not confirmed if her arrest is imminent.
Gwinnett's flight from justice began when she breached her bail conditions by fleeing to Tenerife just five hours after being issued a notice to hand in her passport. The Crown Prosecution Service and Greater Manchester Police have faced criticism for their handling of the case, with Joan's family complaining about delays in launching a criminal investigation.
Family's Anguish and Calls for Accountability
David Bolton revealed that Gwinnett took extreme measures to keep the family away, including changing Joan's landline number and padlocking gates. He believes this is not Gwinnett's first time defrauding a vulnerable person, describing her as "evil but very, very clever." Last month, a confiscation order of £350,180.79 was issued against Gwinnett, with a threat of additional prison time if she fails to pay within three months.
The case has exposed flaws in the justice system, with Lancashire Police initially dismissing the fraud as a civil matter, while Greater Manchester Police later arrested Gwinnett. As the extradition process continues, Joan's family remains hopeful that Gwinnett will face the consequences for her heartless crimes.
