A romance fraudster from Northumberland who conned several men out of tens of thousands of pounds has been sentenced to seven years and seven months in prison. Gemma Kingsley, 50, pleaded guilty at Swindon Crown Court to multiple counts of theft and fraud, following a four-year campaign of deception.
Kingsley manipulated her victims by claiming she was set to inherit a £42 million fortune, even displaying forged letters as proof. One victim lost over £100,000, spending on furniture, dental bills, and a planned wedding that never took place. She also used his bank cards without permission and opened a betting account in his name, losing thousands.
After that relationship ended, Kingsley targeted another victim, convincing them to make large deposits on luxury cars and expensive hotel stays. She also exploited two further victims in brief relationships, stealing from their personal and company bank accounts. Additionally, she committed fraud against solicitors' firms, lawyers, and a bank by falsifying documents.
Wiltshire Police launched an investigation in 2019 after Kingsley used her mother’s friend’s bank details for a hotel stay. She delayed court proceedings by denying charges and claiming health issues, but was eventually arrested on the Isle of Skye in June 2023 after being spotted speeding. Detective Constable Melissa Pope said Kingsley caused 'significant emotional anxiety and long-term mental and financial harm' and expressed hope that the victims can now move on.
