Carer who defrauded elderly Bolton woman out of £300,000 arrested in Spain
Pamela Gwinnett fled to Tenerife after being convicted of fraud and theft
A carer who defrauded an elderly woman in Bolton out of almost £300,000 has been arrested in Spain and will be extradited back to the UK to serve her prison sentence.
Pamela Gwinnett was working as a caregiver at a nursing home when she defrauded the woman, named as Joan, out of the money.
She fled the UK for Tenerife in 2025 in an effort to evade authorities, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Convicted in her absence
Gwinnett was convicted in her absence in October 2025 and sentenced to six years in prison for a number of offences, including fraud by abuse of position and theft.
A subsequent Proceeds of Crime hearing granted an order for £300,000.
GMP worked alongside the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to locate Gwinnett and begin the process of returning her to the UK.
Victim isolated from her family
PC Georgia Loughton, the officer in charge of the investigation, said "I am pleased that Pamela Gwinnett will be returned to the UK where she will serve her sentence."
"Pamela knowingly defrauded a vulnerable woman out of almost £300,000, cutting off all contact with her family and controlling every aspect of her life."
"She was trusted by Joan, and she used this position of trust to her own financial gain."
"Joan was isolated from her family and denied from seeing her grandchildren and their children."
"Sadly, Joan passed away in 2022, however we hope that the return of Pamela to the UK to serve her sentence gives Joan's family a sense of justice as they look to move on with their lives."
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, District Commander for GMP's Bolton district, said "Our teams have worked alongside the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to ensure that Gwinnett is brought back to the UK to face the consequences of her crimes."
"This arrest highlights our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who commit crimes and exploit vulnerable people in our communities."
"We will take any necessary action to ensure they face justice."
"I would like to thank the team for their diligent investigation which led to Gwinnett's conviction and now her arrest."
"I hope this news offers an element of solace to Joan's family."