Fraudster Pamela Gwinnett finally arrested in Spain

Pamela Gwinnett, 63, was sentenced in her absence last year after using bullying, coercion, and threats to steal from the elderly Joan Green while acting as an unofficial carer.

The dock was empty at the hearing last October after Gwinnett breached a court order the previous April and fled to Tenerife, purportedly to scatter her brother’s ashes.

The convicted fraudster is believed to have been in Tenerife ever since, until this week reports emerged that she had been arrested by Spanish authorities.

Approached for confirmation by The Bolton News, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting a British woman who has been arrested in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Last October Judge Michael Maher addressed Gwinnett’s sentencing hearing as if she had been present, saying he hoped she would eventually read his remarks after she was arrested.

Judge Maher said: “To you, Joan Green was simply a cash cow to be milked until she was dry.

“And so having inveigled your way into their lives behind the charade that you were a benevolent friend to Joan, you set about playing the long game to isolate and control a vulnerable woman and thereby enrich yourself.”

Pamela Gwinnett was sentenced in her absence at Preston Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “When one of the carers overheard Joan asking you why her family didn’t come around anymore, you sought to brainwash her, saying they are not good enough for you.

“You controlled the use of her bank cards, and you prevented her from seeing any banking staff about her money.

“To be blunt, she was under your thumb.”

Judge Maher said there was a “self-assured shamelessness” to her crimes.

He said: “To use the colloquialism, you have some brass neck Ms. Gwinnett.”

Pamela Gwinnett stole nearly £300,000 from an elderly woman (Image: GMP)

Gwinnett stole a total of £296,000 from Mrs Green, spending the proceeds on extravagances like Botox treatments and a £22,500 car.

Last October, Preston Crown Court heard from James Preece, prosecuting, how Gwinnett had posed as Mrs Green’s friend and was originally employed for light cleaning and shopping tasks.

But after getting close to her victim, Gwinnett manipulated her way to getting herself made Mrs Green’s power of attorney.

To heighten her elderly victim’s sense of isolation, Gwinnett changed her landline owner, sacked a long-time gardener, and made false accusations of neglect against Mrs Green’s family.

Pamela Gwinnett has finally been arrested (Image: GMP)

After the Court of Appeal suspended Gwinnett’s power of attorney, she continued to steal from a joint bank account.

She even continued to steal from Mrs Green after her death shortly before her 90th birthday in November 2022.

Gwinnett, formerly of Greenfield Road, Adlington, denied her crimes when brought to court but was convicted by a jury of fraud by abuse of position and theft.

Gerard Doran, defending, said the only point her could make in her favour was that she had no previous convictions.

Officer in charge of the investigation PC Georgia Loughton said: “We are pleased that Pamela Gwinnett will be returned to the UK where she will serve her sentence. 

“Pamela knowingly defrauded a vulnerable woman out of almost £300,000, cutting off all contact with her family and controlling every aspect of her life. 

“She was trusted by Joan, and she used this position of trust to her own financial gain.

“Joan was isolated from her family and denied from seeing her grandchildren and their children. 

“Sadly, Joan passed away in 2022 however we hope that the return of Pamela to the UK to serve her sentence gives Joan’s family a sense of justice as they look to move on with their lives.” 

 District Commander for GMP’s Bolton district, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said catching Gwinnett had been made possible thanks to her team working with the National Crime Agency and the Spanish authorities.

She said: “Our teams have worked alongside the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to ensure that Pamela is brought back to the UK to face the consequences of her crimes. 

“This arrest highlights our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who commit crimes and exploit vulnerable people in our communities. We will take any necessary action and ensure they face justice. 

“I would like to thank the team for their diligent investigation which led to Gwinnett’s conviction and now her arrest.

“I hope this news offers an element of solace to Joan’s family.” 

She was ordered to pay a confiscation order of £350,180, again in her absence, at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing earlier this year.