Fraudster jailed for stealing money from vulnerable widow in Somerset
Paul Johns sentenced to 30 months for abuse of position
A man has been jailed for defrauding a vulnerable widow in Somerset out of money intended to clear her debts, following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
Paul Johns, a 61-year-old from Shepton Mallet, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by Taunton Crown Court on 21st September after admitting to fraud by abuse of position.
Johns, a self-employed debt management adviser, was originally entrusted with £29,000 by the victim after her husband's unexpected death. Rather than using the funds to settle her debts, Johns kept the money and used forged documents to falsely reassure her that the debts had been settled.
The scam came to light when the victim discovered a County Court Judgment registered against her due to the unpaid debts.
Detective Inspector Dan Watts of SWROCU remarked on the case, saying: “The victim was especially vulnerable following the sudden loss of her husband, facing significant financial pressures.”
He explained that Johns exploited her trust, stole the money, and attempted to hide his actions through false correspondence, adding, “Fraud is far from a victimless crime and can result in severe financial, emotional, and psychological harm.”
Efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen funds, with confiscation proceedings being pursued in collaboration with Avon and Somerset Police.