Pamela Gwinnett, a carer who stole nearly £300,000 from a vulnerable pensioner and isolated her from family, will be extradited from Tenerife to the UK to serve a six-year prison sentence. Gwinnett was sentenced in her absence in October 2025 after being convicted of fraud. She was arrested in Tenerife following a joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Abuse of Power of Attorney
Gwinnett manipulated Joan Green into appointing her as Lasting Power of Attorney after the death of Mrs Green's husband in 2019. She then used the position to siphon funds for her own benefit, including property purchases, beauty treatments, and Botox. Mrs Green, a former accountant, was left with little control over her finances.
Gwinnett confined Mrs Green to her detached lodge near Chorley, changing the landline number and gate locks to prevent contact with relatives. During the pandemic, she moved Mrs Green to a care home near her own residence in Adlington, intercepting mail and birthday presents. She falsely told authorities that Mrs Green had no family.
Family Confrontation
In June 2021, Mrs Green's stepdaughter Katherine Farrimond and grandson David Boulton visited the house. Gwinnett accused them of grooming and stealing from Mrs Green, threatening to call the police. David Boulton recorded the encounter, which later became evidence. The jury found Gwinnett was the one bullying Mrs Green.
David Boulton said: "Everything she accused us of, she was doing. The lies she has spread about us as a family have been awful. It has been heartbreaking."
Justice After Death
Mrs Green died in 2022 before Gwinnett could be brought to trial. Gwinnett fled to Tenerife after her crimes were uncovered. Judge Michael Maher issued a six-year prison term in her absence and ordered extradition. The NCA and Spanish authorities arrested her in Tenerife, nine months after sentencing.
PC Georgia Loughton, 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."
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley added: "This arrest highlights our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who commit crimes and exploit vulnerable people in our communities."
