A fraudster who stole more than £100,000 from a vulnerable neighbour in Eccles has been jailed for five years and four months.
Lee Hodson, 36, targeted his vulnerable 76-year-old neighbour by impersonating him to gain access to his financial accounts.
His partner Jennifer Picken, 31, received a 22-month suspended sentence for money laundering after allowing her bank account to be used in the scheme.
The couple, both from Eccles in Greater Manchester, were arrested after suspicious activity was detected on their victim's account.
Lee Hodson, 36, targeted his vulnerable 76-year-old neighbour by impersonating him to gain access to his financial accounts
GMP
Hodson executed the fraud by stealing confidential post and personal documents containing the victim's private information, including date of birth, phone numbers and National Insurance number.
He used these stolen details to pass online security checks and create accounts in the victim's name, setting them up with his own contact information.
The fraudster then arranged for his neighbour's pensions and state benefits to be paid directly into his own bank account.
The fraud came to light in June 2021 when bank staff spotted a suspicious transfer of £230,742 from the victim's account to Picken's account.
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The stolen money was subsequently withdrawn, spent and dispersed across multiple accounts and family members.
Detective Inspector Tim Flint said: "We were investigating a well-planned fraud which ultimately targeted an elderly gentleman out of £100,000."
"It was heartless and they preyed on him because of his age," he added.
The detective noted: "Their despicable actions have had a devastating impact on the victim, who has now sadly passed away, and now his surviving relatives have had to endure a trial."
Police are urging anyone with elderly relatives to be aware of this sort of fraud
GETTY
Police are urging anyone with elderly relatives to be aware of this sort of fraud.
Hodson pleaded guilty to multiple charges including fraud, money laundering, escaping lawful custody, impersonating a police officer and burglary offences.
Picken, alongside her suspended sentence, was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service.
The case involved charges of fraud, burglary, escape from lawful custody, and assault with intent to resist arrest for Hodson, while Picken was charged with fraud and money laundering offences.
