MALTON, North Yorkshire — A man who defrauded a disabled woman of more than £15,000 over two years has been jailed for 21 months after what police described as a campaign of manipulation and cruelty.
Robert Wiles, 36, of High Row, Malton, befriended the woman from Scarborough in 2019 and gradually pressured her into transferring money to him, claiming she could face a benefit fraud investigation if she did not comply.
The victim, who is unable to work due to physical and mental health issues, said:
“I genuinely believed that Robert was a friend who was looking out for me and trying to help me. I feel that he has ruined my life.”
Wiles pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation in June and was sentenced at York Crown Court on Wednesday.
During the investigation, police discovered that Wiles had even persuaded the woman to change banks after her original provider raised concerns about suspicious online transactions.
Detective Constable Stephanie Palmer, of North Yorkshire Police, said Wiles had “an attitude of disdain” toward the victim and “never showed remorse.”
“Almost every month during the period of the fraud, she was left with hardly any benefits in her account,” DC Palmer said. “I truly hope she can find comfort knowing that he has finally faced justice.”
The fraud was uncovered in March 2022 when the victim confided in someone during a hospital stay, who then reported it to police.
Despite losing £15,144.49, the woman has yet to receive any compensation.MALTON, North Yorkshire — A man who defrauded a disabled woman of more than £15,000 over two years has been jailed for 21 months after what police described as a campaign of manipulation and cruelty.
Robert Wiles, 36, of High Row, Malton, befriended the woman from Scarborough in 2019 and gradually pressured her into transferring money to him, claiming she could face a benefit fraud investigation if she did not comply.
The victim, who is unable to work due to physical and mental health issues, said:
“I genuinely believed that Robert was a friend who was looking out for me and trying to help me. I feel that he has ruined my life.”
Wiles pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation in June and was sentenced at York Crown Court on Wednesday.
During the investigation, police discovered that Wiles had even persuaded the woman to change banks after her original provider raised concerns about suspicious online transactions.
Detective Constable Stephanie Palmer, of North Yorkshire Police, said Wiles had “an attitude of disdain” toward the victim and “never showed remorse.”
“Almost every month during the period of the fraud, she was left with hardly any benefits in her account,” DC Palmer said. “I truly hope she can find comfort knowing that he has finally faced justice.”
The fraud was uncovered in March 2022 when the victim confided in someone during a hospital stay, who then reported it to police.
Despite losing £15,144.49, the woman has yet to receive any compensation.
