A woman has been sentenced to six years and two months in prison for swindling a vulnerable elderly woman out of nearly £300,000 and then fleeing to Tenerife to avoid facing charges. Pamela Gwinnett, 63, was found guilty of theft and fraud for deceiving 89-year-old Joan Green from Lancashire during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she posed as a friend and caretaker to exploit her financially.
Gwinnett exploited Ms. Green, treating her as a source of money for personal luxuries such as Botox treatments, an expensive car, lavish meals, and property mortgages. Ms. Green unfortunately passed away in 2022.
After absconding to Tenerife in April 2025, Gwinnett was convicted in absentia in October of the same year and recently extradited back to the UK. She faced sentencing at Preston Crown Court, where Judge Michael Maher criticized her actions, likening her exploitation of Ms. Green to milking a cash cow until dry.
Dubbed the “Black Widow,” Gwinnett coerced Ms. Green, a former accountant, into granting her Power of Attorney, granting control over her finances. She further isolated the elderly woman from her family by changing locks and phone numbers, restricting outside contact.
Gwinnett’s fraudulent activities came to light when carers observed her mistreatment of Ms. Green and her neglect of basic care needs. She spread false allegations about Ms. Green’s family and falsely claimed support from prominent figures to maintain control.
Despite efforts by Ms. Green’s family to revoke Gwinnett’s Power of Attorney, she managed to open a joint bank account, continuing her financial exploitation. In total, Gwinnett stole £296,173.68, accumulated by Ms. Green and her deceased husband, a former British Aerospace executive.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed Gwinnett’s arrest in Tenerife, emphasizing the collaborative effort with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to ensure her return for serving her sentence. Investigating officer PC Georgia Loughton expressed satisfaction in Gwinnett’s imminent return to the UK to face justice.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to pursue individuals like Gwinnett who exploit vulnerable individuals, affirming the dedication to ensuring accountability for such crimes.
