Romance Fraudster Groomed Victims in Court

Nigel Baker, a serial romance fraudster, received an unprecedented 17-year prison sentence for defrauding women out of nearly £1 million. During his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in October, Baker callously groomed a new victim, sending her texts and a photo of the courthouse, disguised as a luxury hotel. This deception was revealed when the woman read about the trial on social media.

Baker's victims, who included a businesswoman, an accountant, and a police officer, were promised happiness but ended up losing their life savings, pensions, and homes. Their money funded Baker's severe gambling addiction and lavish spending. The judge described him as entirely selfish, stating women needed to be protected from him, and noted his lack of empathy.

The sentencing is reportedly the longest ever for romance fraud, exceeding sentences for some rapists and armed robbers. A sixth victim, set to testify, tragically died, and a seventh attempted suicide, highlighting the devastating impact of Baker's sophisticated and ruthless exploitation of emotional vulnerability.