Cheshire ‘Kardashian’ jailed for £200,000 fraud and indecent images offences
Jack Watkin lived lavish influencer lifestyle funded by fraud and theft
A man who described himself as Cheshire’s very own Kardashian has been jailed for six years after defrauding victims of more than £200,000 and being found guilty of multiple indecent image offences.
Jack Watkin, 26, formerly of Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 6th October, where he was sentenced after admitting eight counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft.
He was also convicted of multiple charges relating to indecent images, including possession, making, and distribution of prohibited and extreme pornographic material.
Lavish lifestyle funded by deceit
Watkin built his so-called influencer lifestyle on deception, targeting victims through an elaborate Hermes handbag investment scam. He claimed to have contacts able to provide access to exclusive Hermes handbags — luxury items known for their high resale value.
Victims handed over thousands of pounds, believing they were investing in lucrative resale opportunities. Instead, Watkin used the funds to bankroll his extravagant lifestyle, including stays at the Dorchester Hotel in London, fast cars, Versace crockery, and designer clothing.
One woman, who believed she was investing in handbags, later discovered her money had paid for Watkin’s personal expenses. When victims demanded refunds, Watkin repeatedly offered excuses but never returned their funds.
Police investigation
The scam came to light when one of Watkin’s victims contacted the Metropolitan Police in 2022. The case was later referred to Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, whose investigation uncovered numerous victims and evidence of large sums spent on luxury goods and services.
During their inquiries, detectives also discovered indecent images on Watkin’s mobile phones. His first phone, seized during an arrest in March 2024, contained 637 indecent images, including 274 category A child abuse images. A second phone, seized during a October 2024 arrest at Macclesfield train station, contained further indecent material.
“A deluded influencer fantasy”
Detective Constable Gareth Yates of Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said:
“Not only did Watkin deceive his victims by befriending them and taking thousands from them, but he was also hiding a depraved secret habit, sickening his victims further after his hideous secret was uncovered when his mobile phones were downloaded by specialist officers.
“Watkin deluded himself that he was a successful rich kid influencer, but in reality, he was stealing money from wealthy individuals under the guise of ‘business opportunities’ to fund his expensive habit of fast cars, luxury goods, including Versace crockery, and designer footwear and clothing.
“It was never going to end well, and his downfall was inevitable. Eventually his lies caught up with him and he is now facing the consequences of his deceit, and his perversions. Whether his other victims come forward with their losses, only time will tell.”