An Exeter fraudster has been jailed after gambling away more than half a million pounds of savings, pensions and inheritance he swindled from four victims.
Jamie Drew, aged 46, of Cottey Crescent, Beacon Heath, in Exeter, admitted four counts of fraud and appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, May 21, where he was jailed for six-and-a-half years.
The court heard how Drew targeted people he knew, persuading them to lend him money which he promised to pay back straightaway.
But the money was never retuned and Drew went back for more, inventing stories, amid claims of banking problems and money laundering threats, telling his victims they could lose their cash if they told anyone.
Each victim thought their money was tied up and that it would be returned. But in reality, Drew had spent it, mostly gambling it away, as soon as it was handed over.
And after spending their cash, he pretended to be working with a solicitor to get the money released. But it was a ruse to stop his victims going to the police.
The combined total pocketed by Drew was £656,260.
Each victim thought their money was tied up and that it would be returned. But in reality, fraudster Jamie Drew had spent it, mostly gambling it away, as soon as it was handed over.
Photo: D&C Police.
Detective Sergeant Ailsa Mason, at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Jamie Drew presented himself as the good guy and claimed he was working tirelessly to help the victims get their money back – money he was aware he had already spent.
“These offences took place over prolonged periods and cost victims their savings, pensions, and money inherited from loved ones.
“Alongside financial loss, the victims have suffered many months of stress and fear through Drew’s calculated manipulation of them which has resulted in significant emotional and psychological harm.
“We recognise fraud can have a devastating effect on victims and welcome the sentence handed to Drew.
“We hope the victims can now feel some form of closure.”
The court heard how Drew’s silenced victims felt alone and cut-off from help.
Devon and Cornwall Police said after Drew had been arrested for offences against two of the victims, two more came forward while he was on bail.
A force spokesperson said: “Drew targeted and exploited associates from his friendship circle, convincing them to lend him money which he promised could be paid back immediately.
“But he never repaid it and instead persuaded them to repeatedly part with more money through long running stories involving banking issues, suggestions of money laundering allegations, and the risk of losing it all if they told anyone.
“The victims each believed their money was trapped but that it would eventually be returned to them. However, records showed that Drew was spending the money as soon as he received it, mostly on gambling.
“They were left feeling isolated, and like they couldn’t turn to anyone for help. Long after their money was gone, Drew prolonged their suffering by claiming that he was working with a solicitor to get their money back to delay their inevitable report to police.”
