Romance fraudster from Great Yarmouth jailed for targeting vulnerable victims online
Leonnie Robson has been sentenced after exploiting men's trust for financial gain
A woman from Great Yarmouth has been sentenced to over two years in prison for defrauding nine victims she met online, exploiting their trust to gain thousands of pounds.
Leonnie Robson, 35, of Victoria Road, was handed her sentence at Norwich Crown Court after admitting to seven counts of fraud by false representation.
From March 2024 to May 2025, Robson targeted vulnerable men through dating websites and social media platforms.
She developed relationships with them, claiming she needed financial help for fabricated emergencies.
Her stories varied from suffering from cancer or escaping domestic violence to losing a child or job.
Starting with small requests for £10 or £20, she consistently returned for more, ultimately defrauding her victims of £8,176 in total.
None of the money was repaid.
The fraud was uncovered in December 2024 when the carer of one of Robson’s victims raised concerns about the online relationship.
Police investigations subsequently identified an additional eight victims.
Unbelievably, Robson committed these offences while on licence, having previously served prison time for fraud.
Victim statements read in court highlighted the lasting emotional impact of Robson's deception.
One man shared his heartbreak, saying, "I thought I'd finally found love and now to realise it was all a lie, is so hard to process."
Another expressed distrust, stating, "Losing this money sucks, but the thing that hurts the most is the confirmation I'm not wanted unless I can be taken advantage of."
A third individual described withdrawing from online dating due to fear of further manipulation.
PC Sally Anderson, who led the investigation, commented: “Robson repeatedly identified ways she could emotionally control and manipulate her victims, and all while she was already on licence for defrauding people.
“Romance fraud is particularly callous, not only causing financial loss but inflicting deep emotional pain.
"We encourage anyone who suspects they’ve been a victim of romance fraud to report it without embarrassment or shame."