A callous conman has been locked up for a decade after fleecing a vulnerable woman out of nearly £30,000. Simon Turner, 49, from Brockenhurst, Hampshire, spun a web of lies to scam his victim over a year-long fake romance.
Fake Love, Real Lies
Turner met the woman from Amesbury on a dating site in 2024. They planned holidays together, but he kept cancelling with excuses. Suspicious family members googled Turner and uncovered his criminal past – yet he promised he had changed, and the relationship went on. In 2025, Turner claimed to have over £60,000 locked in property funds and begged the woman for cash. She sent him thousands via bank transfers and even paid £2,000 to hire him a van. He also tricked her into paying fines and buying phantom vehicles:
- A BMW that never arrived
- A caravan for £5,000 that was a lie
By the time she found out the truth through social media—that Turner was actually living in a caravan and battling a gambling addiction—he had drained her of £28,640.
Victim Speaks Out: ‘My Kindness Was Used Against Me’
“I was lonely and vulnerable when I first met Simon. He made lots of promises and told me what I wanted to hear,” said the victim. “He stole mine and my son’s financial security. I don’t trust anyone now. His actions have wrecked my mental health to the point of feeling suicidal. I feel hurt, isolated, embarrassed, angry and judged. Even though nobody said it outright, I feel people think I’m stupid. My kindness was used against me.”
Police Crack Down on Heartless Scam
Detective Sophie Vowles praised the cross-force investigation between Wiltshire, Dorset, and Thames Valley police that hauled Turner in. She called his behaviour “manipulative” and condemned the “callous” crime.
“Turner exploited his victim’s trust with fake tales about needing money for vehicles and bills, all to feed his gambling addiction. Romance fraud leaves deep emotional and financial scars. This sentence sends a strong message: we’ll hunt down and punish those who prey on the vulnerable.” Turner was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on 22 April 2026. A 10-year restraining order bans him from contacting his victim. Justice served.
