A woman dubbed 'the black widow' has been jailed for stealing nearly £300,000 from a vulnerable pensioner to fund Botox and lavish meals. Pamela Gwinnett, 63, took advantage of Joan Green, a retired accountant from Chorley, after worming her way into her luxury bungalow posing as a carer.
Abuse of Trust
Gwinnett appointed herself Power of Attorney and isolated Mrs Green from her family, changing the locks and switching the landline. She told cruel lies about family members and used the pensioner as 'her own personal cash cow', spending on Botox, expensive meals, and a luxury car.
Flight to Tenerife
When arrested, Gwinnett fled to Tenerife. After 16 months on the run, she appeared at Preston Crown Court in the same leopard print bomber jacket she wore on her return. Mrs Green's grandson, David Bolton, said: "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."
Gwinnett's barrister, Rosalind Scott-Bell, cited 'fear, anxiety and mental health issues' for the escape. But Mr Bolton said: "She has never apologised once. She's shown no remorse whatsoever through any of this."
Sentencing
In October 2025, Judge Michael Maher sentenced Gwinnett to six years for theft and fraud by abuse of position. At a later hearing, he added two months after she pleaded guilty to a bail act offence. The judge said: "Despite the apparent difficulties with your mental health it seems you were sufficiently robust to travel outside the UK."
Gwinnett had applied for bail variation to scatter her brother's ashes, but the court was 'rightly sceptical' as no evidence of a brother was produced. She boarded a plane to Tenerife hours after the court refused her application, using another passport.
Family's Relief
Speaking outside court, David Bolton said: "My nan unfortunately died under Pamela Gwinnett's control. Hopefully she didn't believe the lies that Pamela was feeding her. She'll never get justice but we as a family can get on with moving on with the rest of our lives."
Gwinnett was ordered to pay £350,180 to Mrs Green's family during a Proceeds of Crime hearing, with property seized to recover the money.
