Pamela Gwinnett, a fraudster dubbed the Black Widow, has been jailed for stealing almost £300,000 from a vulnerable pensioner, ending a 16-month flight from justice. Gwinnett, 55, was extradited from Tenerife and appeared at Preston Crown Court, where she was sentenced for a bail act offence and ordered to serve the prison sentence imposed earlier.
Exploiting a vulnerable pensioner
Gwinnett targeted Joan Green, an 89-year-old widow with dementia, after helping with shopping and cleaning. Over three years, she isolated Joan from her family, moved her into a nursing home, and changed locks and phone numbers to maintain control. She used Joan's money for beauty treatments, restaurant bills, and a £21,000 car.
The court heard how Gwinnett made false accusations against Joan's family, claiming they stole her pension and neglected her. Judge Michael Maher told her: "To you, Joan Green was simply a cash cow to be milked until she was dry."
Family's relief
Joan's grandson David Bolton expressed relief after the sentencing, saying: "We are just relieved. We are very happy to finally see her in the dock and sent off to prison. It's been a long time coming." He added that Gwinnett had never apologised and showed no remorse.
Gwinnett was arrested at Manchester Airport and taken to HMP Styal. Her barrister claimed she fled out of fear and anxiety, but David countered: "She wasn't that anxious when she was swimming in pools and getting her nails done."
