Man Jailed For Defrauding Elderly Uncle Of £80k
A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding his elderly uncle of more than £80,000.
Over a period of approximately three years between April 2012 and March 2015 Jonathan Hill (pictured) abused his position as a Lasting Power of Attorney by spending his uncle’s money for his own benefit and without either his permission or knowledge.
The 70-year-old from Monmouth also charged his physically disabled uncle £600 a month for managing his finances and visiting him at his supported accommodation in Rumney, Cardiff.
The fraud only came to light when another relative became aware of bank accounts being opened in the victim’s name without his knowledge.
During police interviews, Hill did not give any explanation as to the whereabouts of his uncle’s money.
Hill denied two counts of fraud by abuse of position but was found guilty on July 12 by a jury at Newport Crown Court where he was sentenced the same day.
Detective Sergeant Clayton Ritchie, from South Wales Police, said: “This was a complex and callous crime committed upon an elderly gentleman, who was in his 90s at time and sadly died during the investigation.
“The investigation was carried out by our Vulnerable Adult Investigation Unit in Cardiff which is committed to taking robust action against those who financially exploit the vulnerable.
“We hope this case serves as a deterrent to anyone thinking of taking advantage of a friend or relative in a similar way.”
The money Hill gained will now be pursued under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
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