Trio Jailed for Ripping Off Elderly Victims £398,490
Three scammers have been locked up at Chester Crown Court for fleecing elderly residents out of nearly £400,000.
Fraudsters Caught and Sentenced
- Andrew Lovell, 43, from Coppice Green, Elton, pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud and money laundering. He got 4 years 6 months behind bars.
- Madeline Lovell, 41, Andrew’s partner at the same address, admitted three counts of fraud and money laundering. She was handed 27 months.
- Kevin Brown, 61, from Mold, also pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and money laundering and received 18 months in jail.
How the Scam Worked
Cheshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit uncovered the racket back in 2022. The trio targeted elderly homeowners, convincing them their properties needed urgent repairs – even when they didn’t.
The fake work was done shoddily and charged at outrageously high prices.
“These elderly residents were in essence held to ransom by these cold and calculating defendants,” said DC Gareth Yates from the Economic Crime Unit. “They were made to feel they had no option but to pay, for often shoddy work, at highly inflated prices.”
“Victims were left powerless, frustrated, and embarrassed. They felt unsafe in their own homes, fearing what would happen if they didn’t pay.”
Police Use High-Tech Tracking to Nab Crooks
Detectives employed forensic financial analysis, telecom data, and ANPR tracking to link the scammers to the crimes. An independent surveyor confirmed the poor quality work and unnecessary repairs.
The suspects were arrested in coordinated raids and charged.
“Our dedicated team will stop at nothing to root out those who commit fraud, especially against our most vulnerable,” said DC Yates. “We’ll keep disrupting their illegal activities and putting criminals behind bars.”
