A heartless caregiver who stole nearly £300,000 from a pensioner before escaping to Tenerife was captured on video. Pamela Gwinnett, 62, falsely accused Joan Green’s family of theft and grooming, but investigations revealed that Gwinnett abused her authority as Lasting Power of Attorney to embezzle the money from Mrs. Green.
After her deceit was exposed, Gwinnett fled to Tenerife to use the stolen funds and is currently in hiding on the Spanish island. Mrs. Green’s grandson, David, criticized Gwinnett’s blatant disregard for the law by fleeing justice.
Gwinnett was sentenced to six years in prison in absentia by Judge Michael Maher at Preston Crown Court, who ordered efforts to bring her back to the UK for her punishment. Gwinnett manipulated the pensioner and her husband into appointing her as Lasting Power of Attorney, then squandered the money on personal luxuries like beauty treatments, Botox, and property investments.
Following Mr. Green’s death in 2019, Gwinnett isolated Mrs. Green in her home near Chorley, Lancashire, treating her like a prisoner. She cut off communication with the family, relocated Mrs. Green to a care home near her own residence, and intercepted gifts and mail intended for the pensioner.
Gwinnett went as far as lying to authorities about Mrs. Green’s family situation, claiming she had no relatives. When Mrs. Green’s stepdaughter and grandson visited in June 2021, they were met with Gwinnett’s fabrications and manipulations.
In a recorded encounter, Gwinnett falsely accused David of criminal activities, attempted to expel the family from the house, and threatened to involve the police. However, the truth emerged, and it was revealed that Gwinnett had been bullying Mrs. Green.
Despite the legal proceedings, Mrs. Green passed away in 2022 before Gwinnett could be held accountable for her actions. Judge Maher condemned Gwinnett’s audacious fraud and theft, urging her extradition back to the UK to face justice.
The impact of Gwinnett’s manipulation left Mrs. Green isolated in her final years, believing falsehoods about her family. Her loved ones expressed their sorrow over the ordeal but emphasized that Mrs. Green was cherished by many and deserved the truth.
Judge Maher criticized Gwinnett’s shameless behavior and emphasized the need for her to face the consequences of her crimes. Gwinnett, convicted in absentia of fraud and theft, was urged to be brought back to the UK for sentencing, denouncing her evasion of justice in Tenerife.