Pc conned widow out of £18k

AFRAUDSTER who swindled a vulnerable elderly widow out of more than £18,000 while working as a police officer has been jailed.

Former Pc Sam Smith first met the frail 81-year-old while on-duty when he was called to her south Devon home to check on her welfare.

He befriended her before using her bank and credit cards to go on an online spending spree between March and August 2020.

On one occasion, 31-year-old Smith signed for goods using the name of the woman’s dead husband.

The housebound victim was suffering from cancer and alcohol-related dementia, had no family or support network and was struggling with both her mental and physical health.

She was later hospitalised and died in November 2020.

Smith’s fraudulent exploits were uncovered when online expenditure, spotted by the victim’s solicitor on her bank statements raised suspicion – because she did not use the internet.

The offences happened while Smith was off-duty and was living in Kingsbridge, Devon.

He admitted eight counts of fraud. totalling £18,276. when he appeared before Exeter Crown Court on Thursday.

Smith, now of Long Lane, London, was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

The court heard how Smith first met the victim in November 2019 when he attended her home in the Dartmouth area after concern was raised for her welfare.

He subsequently visited the address numerous times while onand off-duty.

The victim lived alone and was struggling to care for herself as her poor health deteriorated further.

Smith went on to spend thousands of pounds online on items such as gaming and computer kit, a 65-inch television, a soundbar, an air weapon and accessories, and motorcycle gear.

Each time he recorded the victim as the customer and used her contact details and address.

Smith arranged for a computer and gaming chair to be delivered to a car park and signed for the items using the name of the victim’s late husband.

A number of the items were found in Smith’s Kingsbridge home when officers searched the property.

The crimes were uncovered when a solicitor appointed to review the victim’s financial affairs became concerned over the online transactions.

Suspicion was raised as the victim had never embraced the internet, did not use email or own a mobile phone. She had never made purchases on the web or with her cards.

The solicitor’s concerns were originally reported to police in September 2020, but an initial investigation did not identify Smith’s involvement.

However, the case was reviewed and reopened in May 2022 and a link made between the online purchases and Smith.

He was on an unpaid career break when his involvement in the frauds was uncovered. Smith resigned from the force in July 2023.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Emily Sheppard said: “I never knew or met the victim as she sadly passed away in November 2020, but I felt I got to know her a little while investigating these offences.

“She lived an extremely interesting life and remained fiercely independent until her final year when her health sadly deteriorated.

“Throughout my enquiries she has always been in my thoughts. I am deeply saddened that I have had to investigate the actions of a former colleague for these offences.

“His actions do not represent the values held by the majority of officers who diligently do their best to help and serve the public every day.”

Superintendent Jo Arundale, head of Devon and Cornwall Police’s Professional Standards Department, added: “We note and welcome the sentencing of Sam Smith today for what are appalling crimes involving a vulnerable victim.

“Smith’s actions were wrong, illegal and he now faces the consequences of that.”