Man ‘conned his grandad to fund lover’s breast op’
A GRANDSON raided his 92-year-old grandfather’s life savings to pay for his girlfriend’s boob job, a court heard yesterday.
Luke Quatrini, 34, allegedly conned Clifford Bartlett so he could put down a £500 deposit on breast enlargement surgery for Emma Hodges, 29.
He also used the trusting pensioner’s bank card to spend more than £1,000 on airline tickets, online shopping and building work, the jury was told.
Hairdresser Ms Hodges, an aspiring model, later posed for a series of racy photographs wearing just lacy bras and knickers.
Prosecutor Emma Harries said the crimes took place over 10 months after Quatrini moved in to his grandfather’s house in Newport, South Wales, in 2012 following a fire at his own home.
Upset
Newport Crown Court heard how £3,000 went missing from Mr Bartlett’s Nationwide savings account, leaving the retired docks worker without money to pay his household bills.
Mr Bartlett – who died last year – had been distraught and broke down in tears after believing his own family was stealing from him.
He told police: “I have had all my life savings and pension stolen from me.”
His son Michael told the court that his father had broken down crying during a visit to his house.
He said: “He was really upset. He started crying, which was most unusual for him.
“He explained that a few days before, a letter had come from his building society which said that one of his standing orders, it was for his electricity, had been rejected and that there Luke Quatrini allegedly raided his grandfather’s savings to pay for breast enlargement surgery for girlfriend Emma Hodges was no money left in his account. More than £3,000 had gone missing from the account and nobody could understand why.”
Michael described his elderly father as “fragile physically but mentally he was very good”.
He added: “He would still read a national newspaper every day, and every Sunday he would go to the local club, where he would meet his old friends from Newport docks.”
Quatrini’s alleged fraud came to light after Michael – who had been given power of attorney over his father’s estate – noticed a series of suspicious transactions. They are alleged to have taken place over a period of time that Mr Bartlett was in and out of hospital with a series of health complaints.
But Quatrini, of the St Julians area of Newport, claimed his grandfather had been at his side whenever he used the card.
He also claimed that Mr Bartlett had given him “verbal authorisation” to spend on it.
Quatrini said: “When we were rebuilding our home, my grandfather said ‘If there’s anything I can do to help or notice received nearly 30,000 likes and more than 9,000 retweets.
Many were shocked at its tone, with Steve Harvey saying: “It’s an obitchary.” But another said: “Best assist you I will’.” He also claimed his grandfather “used to forget things” when he “had a drink”.
But prosecutor Emma Harries said that Mr Bartlett had “no idea” his debit card was being used. Ms Harries said: “He had not given anyone permission to use his card.”
Quatrini’s father Vincent and his brother Richard have pleaded guilty to defrauding Mr Bartlett.
But Quatrini denies five counts of fraud.
The trial continues. obit ever. Don’t hold back Gina and Jay, what’s really on your mind?”
And Young MT chipped in with: “They’ve been waiting 56 years to say that. Wow.”