Fugitive 'Black Widow' captured in Tenerife after £300,000 scam
Spanish police have arrested Pamela Gwinnett, 63, in the resort town of Los Cristianos, Tenerife, where she owned a semi-detached villa and had been living openly since fleeing the UK. Gwinnett, dubbed the 'Black Widow,' was convicted in absentia at Preston Crown Court for defrauding 89-year-old Joan Green of nearly £300,000. She skipped bail in April last year and flew to Tenerife before her trial began, avoiding the six-year sentence imposed in her absence.
Joan Green, a vulnerable widow, was treated as a 'cash cow to be milked,' according to Judge Michael Maher. Gwinnett isolated Joan from her family, accused relatives of stealing her pension, and used her power of attorney to siphon funds for mortgage payments, lavish meals, and Botox treatments. The fraud continued even after Joan's death in November 2022.
Arrest details and extradition process
National Police officers acted on an International Arrest Warrant issued by British authorities on July 14. Gwinnett was arrested hours later in Los Cristianos, Arona. A police spokesman confirmed she was living a normal daily life at the time of her arrest. The spokesman noted the case caused 'significant public outrage and strong condemnation among the British public' due to the method used and the victim's extreme vulnerability.
It remains unclear whether Gwinnett will consent to extradition or contest it. Legal experts suggest she may delay but is unlikely to prevent her return to the UK. The judge also issued a confiscation order, putting Gwinnett's home in Adlington, Lancashire, at risk.
Manipulative scheme to exploit an elderly woman
Joan Green, a former accountant, and her late husband, a senior manager at British Aerospace, had saved diligently for retirement. Gwinnett ingratiated herself as a friend and carer, then manipulated Joan into granting lasting power of attorney. She isolated Joan from family and friends, moving her into a care home near her own home during the pandemic. After lockdown, Gwinnett took Joan back to her house in Chorley, padlocking gates and changing the landline number to maintain control.
PC Georgia Loughton said: 'I am pleased that Pamela Gwinnett will be returned to the UK where she will serve her sentence. She 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.'
Police and family reaction
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley praised the collaborative effort with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities: '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 hope this news offers an element of solace to Joan's family.'
Joan's family, who were denied contact with her during her final years, expressed relief that Gwinnett will finally face imprisonment. The case underscores the devastating impact of financial abuse on the elderly and the importance of cross-border cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.
