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Fake Special Forces Hero Jailed for Preying on Victims
20 Aug
Summary
- A con artist posed as a special forces soldier and cancer patient.
- He defrauded four victims of nearly £68,000.
- The fraudster was sentenced to over three years in prison.
Joseph Gibson, 35, has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison for defrauding four victims out of nearly £68,000. Gibson, from Ruthin, Denbighshire, fabricated a story of being a former Special Boat Service soldier worth hundreds of millions, who also owned yachts and was battling cancer.
Two of the victims met Gibson through the dating app Tinder, where he deceived one into believing they were in a relationship. He was convicted on four counts of fraud by false representation at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.
During the sentencing, it was revealed that one victim lost over £5,600 after sending money for supposed business opportunities and medical expenses. Another victim, identified as SC, was persuaded to invest in trading schemes, losing £21,000 of her £30,000 investment. JH invested £28,000 based on claims of Gibson's business success, while a retired super yacht captain, PH, lost £23,350.
Further legal proceedings will determine how Gibson will repay his victims. The victims collectively suffered significant financial debt, anxiety, emotional distress, and impacts on their personal relationships.
