Carer Extradited to UK After Fleeing to Tenerife Over Pensioner Fraud
Pamela Gwinnett faces Preston Crown Court today after conviction for defrauding Joan Green of life savings.
Callum Smith
Pamela Gwinnett, a carer convicted of defrauding an elderly woman, has been arrested in Tenerife and extradited to Manchester, UK.
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing previously ordered Pamela Gwinnett to pay a confiscation order of £350,180. The court mandated repayment of £300,000.
Gwinnett failed to appear in court in October 2025, subsequently fleeing to Spain. Her flight initiated an international pursuit involving law enforcement agencies.
The National Crime Agency and Spanish Police collaborated in her arrest and extradition. This joint operation spanned two nations.
Pamela Gwinnett violated a court order by leaving the UK. She claimed an intent to scatter her brother's ashes in Tenerife, a justification the court dismissed.
She consistently denied stealing from the pensioner, despite overwhelming court findings to the contrary. These findings detailed a systematic pattern of deceit and manipulation.
The court established Gwinnett fabricated allegations against Mrs. Green's family. She isolated Mrs. Green by changing the locks and the landline telephone number at her gated bungalow.
Gwinnett also 'connived to isolate Joan from her family and friends,' according to court claims. This deliberate isolation severed Mrs. Green's vital support network.
When Mrs. Green inquired about her family's absence, Gwinnett told her they 'weren't good enough,' as claimed by the court. This manipulation further entrenched Mrs. Green's isolation.
Carers attending the property observed Gwinnett 'barking' at the pensioner while neglecting her fundamental care needs. Such observations painted a grim picture of Mrs. Green's daily life.
Gwinnett made false accusations against Joan Green's relatives. She claimed they were stealing from and grooming the elderly woman, baseless allegations designed to deepen the rift.
She also falsely claimed the support of the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The court noted this fabrication, adding another layer to Gwinnett's deceptive practices.
Judge Michael Maher stated, "You have treated this process as you did Joan Green with utter contempt." His words underscored the severity of Gwinnett's actions.
To you, Joan Green was simply a cash cow to be milked until she was dry.
He further remarked, "To you, Joan Green was simply a cash cow to be milked until she was dry." This powerful metaphor encapsulated the predatory nature of Gwinnett's exploitation.
PC Georgia Loughton expressed satisfaction, stating, "I am pleased that Pamela Gwinnett will be returned to the UK where she will serve her sentence." This sentiment reflects the outcome of persistent police work.
PC Loughton added, "Pamela knowingly defrauded a vulnerable woman out of almost £300,000, cutting off all contact with her family and controlling every aspect of her life." The officer detailed the profound impact of Gwinnett's crimes.
She emphasised the profound breach of trust, noting, "She was trusted by Joan, and she used this position of trust to her own financial gain." This betrayal formed the core of the exploitation.
PC Loughton concluded, "Sadly, Joan passed away in 2022, however we hope that the return of Pamela to the UK to serve her sentence gives Joan’s family a sense of justice as they look to move on with their lives." The pursuit of justice continued even after Mrs. Green's death.
Judge Michael Maher had previously stated, "I sincerely hope that Ms. Gwinnett is extradited back to the UK to serve this sentence for these egregious offences." His earlier remarks foreshadowed the current extradition.
He added, "It is an affront to justice and the rule of law for this Defendant to be allowed to remain in Tenerife." The judge's strong words highlighted the imperative of Gwinnett's return.