Funeral scammer caught cashing in on grieving families
Between 2015 and 2016, Steven Drinkwater worked at a funeral directors. But instead of helping families, he swiped cash meant for funeral payments straight into his pocket.
Cash in hand funeral fraud
Over more than a year, Drinkwater convinced customers to pay for funerals in cash – money he never handed over to the business. In June 2015, a colleague overheard him taking payment and even saw the cash change hands.
When confronted, Drinkwater handed over £123 from his own pocket. Then he put on his coat and vanished, never to return.
Customers left duped and confused
Months later, the funeral directors contacted families to settle outstanding balances – only to be told they had already paid. In reality, that money had gone straight to Drinkwater.
In some cases, he even forged customer signatures on documents, making it look legit.
On the run – until caught
An official investigation was launched and a wanted appeal issued for the 46-year-old. He stayed off the radar for years until a tip-off led to his arrest by police in Devon on 7 January 2024.
Justice served: Jail time for fraudster
Drinkwater pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison plus 10 months on licence. Any slip-ups during this period will see him back behind bars immediately.
