A man who targeted an elderly, vulnerable individual in Kingsbury and attempted to steal cash from him has been sentenced to jail. John Payne, 48, was apprehended by vigilant neighbours who had been alerted to his plans. They detained Payne as he arrived to collect the cash and promptly called the police, who swiftly arrived at the scene and arrested him.
The incident occurred in June 2020, when a group, including Payne, targeted an 89-year-old man living alone in Kingsbury. The scheme began with a series of fraudulent phone calls claiming to be from the police. The caller falsely informed the victim that he possessed counterfeit money and instructed him to empty the contents of his safe into a plastic bag outside his address, promising an undercover officer would collect it.
Fortunately, a caregiver for the victim became aware of the fraudulent calls and alerted the neighbours. They devised a plan, coordinating with the victim to replace the cash with a bag filled with tea towels and lie in wait for the would-be thief.
On June 21, 2020, Payne arrived at the location, unaware that he had been set up. A group of vigilant neighbours detained him and immediately contacted the police. Officers swiftly arrived at the scene and took Payne into custody.
A comprehensive investigation was conducted to identify any additional individuals involved in targeting the vulnerable man. While two other men were initially arrested, they were subsequently released without further action.
John Payne was charged with conspiracy to steal. Following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court, he was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison during a hearing at the same venue on Thursday, July 13. The Judge highly commended the actions of the neighbours and ordered a reward to be issued to recognize their brave intervention.
Detective Constable Sonia Darrington, who led the investigation, expressed her admiration for the concerned neighbours’ actions. She emphasized that Payne showed no regard for swindling a vulnerable elderly man and attempting to steal his life savings. The united efforts of the neighbours, who placed themselves in harm’s way to protect someone who couldn’t defend himself, prevented any money from being stolen. They have not only supported the police investigation but also provided a voice for the victim throughout the court proceedings. The Judge, recognising their heroic actions, commended them, as does Detective Constable Darrington. Their intervention halted a serious offence from taking place and has rightly earned them recognition and praise.
John Payne, residing at Maitland Park Villas, NW3, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of conspiracy to steal.
