Fraudster Jailed for Newport Elderly Woman Blackmail Scam

A callous fraudster who posed as a council worker to con an elderly Newport woman out of £60 before returning to blackmail her with violent threats has been jailed for three-and-a-half years 🏠⚖️

Patrick Donovan was found guilty of blackmail and fraud by false representation at Newport Crown Court after targeting the vulnerable woman in Baneswell last July.

The court heard Donovan knocked on doors claiming to work for Newport City Homes, asking the victim – who cares for her sister – for payment for non-existent work. Both women handed over £60.

Two days later, the opportunist returned making violent threats demanding more money from his terrified victim.

Prosecutor Mr Evans told the court: “It was targeting a particularly vulnerable person. It would have been clear during the first meeting that the victim was vulnerable.”

The elderly woman’s impact statement revealed the lasting trauma: “I’m scared and frightened now whenever someone knocks on the door. I have regular callers from the council and I have carers that come every day. It still makes me nervous and frightened.”

Judge Celia Hughes condemned Donovan’s actions, saying: “She was an easy target for your deception. The most crucial factor here is the deliberate targeting of a vulnerable person two days after you met her. You must have realised immediately after meeting the victim that she was elderly and infirm.”

The tree surgeon, of Seven Stiles Avenue, Newport, had 22 previous convictions for 36 offences. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation and the victim was granted a 10-year restraining order.