A Wiltshire man who scammed his in-laws and a finance company out of more than £3.4 million using a forged contract with football giant Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been sentenced to over six years in prison.
Edward Blackmore, 45, of Holt, was described as a “grandiose narcissist” during his trial at Swindon Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation.
A Web of Lies and Forgery
In August 2018, Blackmore fraudulently claimed that his company, OGC Sport Investments, had secured a multi-million-pound services contract with PSG. To support his claims, he forged both the stamp and signature of a lawyer, making the document appear legitimate.
Using this fabricated contract, Blackmore secured an interest-free loan of £1.8 million from his in-laws, promising swift repayment. He used this money to purchase Beechwood House, a Grade II-listed property in Widcombe, Bath, where he moved in with his wife and young children.
Simultaneously, Blackmore obtained a £1.68 million bridging loan from a commercial finance company, again using the fake PSG contract as proof of income. He even went as far as forging his then-wife’s signature on a tenancy agreement related to the purchase.
Eviction and Financial Ruin
Despite assurances, Blackmore quickly defaulted on both loans. He made just three monthly payments totaling £76,000 to the finance company before halting repayments entirely. His in-laws, too, were strung along with elaborate lies. He falsely claimed that the PSG payment had been deposited into the wrong account and was subsequently frozen by the bank.
The deception led to devastating consequences. The finance company appointed receivers, resulting in Blackmore, his wife, and their children being evicted from Beechwood House, which was later sold to repay the loan. However, the in-laws never recovered their £1.8 million.
The fraud came to light when Blackmore’s in-laws reported him to Action Fraud, which then referred the case to the Wiltshire Police Complex Fraud Team.
A Family Betrayed
The emotional impact on Blackmore’s victims was laid bare in Victim Personal Statements read in court.
His mother-in-law expressed the depth of the betrayal:
“Mr. Blackmore’s deception has had a profound effect on our entire family — physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially. We embraced him into our family, only to be utterly betrayed.”
She spoke of the dreams she and her husband had for their retirement, now lost:
“We had plans to travel the world, to treat our children and grandchildren, and to make lasting memories. Mr. Blackmore has denied us that. His total lack of remorse is simply incomprehensible.”
Blackmore’s estranged wife, who has since filed for divorce, described how the fraud upended her life:
“When I exchanged wedding vows, I believed I was entering a partnership built on trust. Instead, I became the victim of a calculated betrayal that has shattered my life. I went from being financially stable to a single mum living in rented accommodation, working full time just to make ends meet.”
She emphasized the emotional toll on their children, saying:
“Their home was taken away, their stability ripped apart. But I am determined to rebuild and restore everything he destroyed.”
Police Condemn Blackmore’s Actions
DC Rachael Fairbairn of Wiltshire Police’s Complex Fraud Team condemned Blackmore’s “seemingly endless” lies:
“Blackmore didn’t just betray his wife and children, but his wider family too, depriving them of their financial freedom. The scale of his deception is staggering. I hope today’s sentence provides some closure for the victims, allowing them to begin the process of rebuilding their lives.”
Sentencing and Next Steps
Blackmore was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison. The court also confirmed that confiscation proceedings would follow, aiming to recover as much of the stolen funds as possible.
The judge labeled Blackmore’s actions as “a deliberate and sophisticated fraud” that left “a trail of emotional and financial destruction.”
A Cautionary Tale
The case serves as a stark reminder of how even those closest to us can perpetrate deception. It highlights the importance of due diligence in financial dealings — even within families.
If you suspect fraud or financial crime, report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.
