By Ollie Radcliffe
Live Reporter
A man from Gorleston, John Robson, has been jailed for scamming vulnerable women out of thousands of pounds over a two-year period. The 65-year-old appeared at Norwich Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of theft and four counts of fraud.
Between 2021 and 2023, Robson targeted women by pretending to be in relationships with them and manipulating their trust to steal money and valuable possessions.
His first victim, a woman from Bournemouth, was deceived by Robson in 2021. He claimed he was planning to move to be closer to her and convinced her to send him money for supposed moving costs and travel expenses following a family death. Over a series of 16 transfers, the victim sent Robson more than £7,000. It wasn’t until she grew suspicious and visited the area Robson claimed he was moving to that she discovered he had lied. After no one could confirm his whereabouts, she reported the fraud to the police.
Two years later, Robson struck again, this time through an online dating site. After a few months, he convinced his second victim to allow him to take her gold jewellery, including family heirlooms, for cleaning. The jewellery, valued at around £10,000, was never returned. Robson pawned it for just £1,900, and several pieces were never recovered. Additionally, Robson borrowed £150 from the victim, claiming he needed the money to purchase a motorhome, a purchase he never made.
After the investigation, Robson was arrested and sentenced, and his actions were condemned as a gross exploitation of vulnerable women. Police urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of similar scams to come forward.
