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Pensioner's £300k Thief Captured After Landing in UK
1 Aug
Summary
- Fraudster Pamela Gwinnett fled to Spain before her trial.
- She conned an 89-year-old pensioner out of £300,000.
- Gwinnett was sentenced to six years in absentia.
Pamela Gwinnett, a fraudster known as the 'Black Widow', has been apprehended by Greater Manchester Police upon her arrival at Manchester Airport. Gwinnett fled to Tenerife in April 2025, evading trial for defrauding an 89-year-old pensioner, Joan Green, out of £300,000 in life savings. She was subsequently sentenced to six years imprisonment in her absence for theft and fraud by abuse of position.
Gwinnett's scheme involved isolating Ms. Green from her family and gaining power of attorney. The stolen money funded her extravagant lifestyle, including a car and cosmetic treatments. Ms. Green passed away in November 2022, before justice could be served. Gwinnett denies all allegations, claiming she did not take the money.
Authorities collaborated to track Gwinnett, who attempted to vary bail conditions to scatter her brother's ashes in Tenerife, a request that was refused. She fled Tenerife shortly after. The successful extradition marks the culmination of a tenacious investigation, ensuring the victim's family can find some closure.
