A woman known as the “Black Widow” defrauded an elderly pensioner of £300,000 and used the stolen money for Botox treatments and extravagant dining before fleeing the UK. The fraudster, Pamela Gwinnett, exploited 89-year-old Joan Green from Lancashire, acting as her carer during the pandemic to gain control over her finances. Gwinnett, 63, obtained power of attorney over Ms. Green, changed her contact details, and terminated her gardener to keep her isolated.
Gwinnett embezzled funds from Ms. Green, who passed away in 2022, through a shared bank account, totaling slightly over £296,000 while supposedly performing light household tasks. Sky News traced Gwinnett to Tenerife, where she relocated after absconding with the substantial sum. Reports revealed that she squandered the money on beauty treatments, luxurious meals, a car valued at £22,500, and property mortgages. Despite being convicted of fraud and theft, Gwinnett audaciously blamed Ms. Green’s family for the missing funds.
When questioned about the theft, Gwinnett denied any involvement, alleging that the family had taken the money and labeled herself as a scapegoat. She fled to Tenerife under false pretenses, disregarding court orders. Gwinnett’s evasion led to a bench warrant for her arrest, with the judge denouncing her actions as contemptuous. Despite attempting to appeal her sentence, a confiscation order of £350,180.79 was imposed, with an additional prison term looming if she fails to comply within three months.
The residents of Gwinnett’s accommodation complex have been made aware of her crimes, with some displaying posters demanding justice for Ms. Green. The victim’s family expressed outrage over Gwinnett’s leisurely lifestyle in Tenerife, with David Bolton, her step-grandson, condemning her callous behavior. Bolton characterized Gwinnett as “evil” and cunning, adept at manipulating situations for personal gain.
