Woman, 63, befriended people in pubs to steal £440,000
A woman managed to steal £440,000 from people after befriending them in pubs and convincing them she needed funds to pay for legal fees.
Susan Goose, 63, from Norwich, Norfolk, told the seven people she was involved in a civil case over inheritance allegedly owed to her and falsified documents including emails and claim forms.
Her victims were shown items from her alleged solicitor, the bank and the high court she said was handling her case.
The scheme was only uncovered when a person lost their home due to debt from the money they owed her.
Goose was arrested on January 5 on suspicion of fraud and later released on bail after the con was brought to the attention of Action Fraud.
But she was arrested on February 16 again after more victims were identified and she was charged with five counts of fraud by false representation.
No correspondence or documentation relating to any civil court case was found when a search of Goose’s address was carried out.
Multiple courts were also contacted to see if Goose was a claimant or defendant but again, no record was found.
Police found over 2,600 payments to online gambling websites when they looked into her financial records.
It is estimated she spent in excess of £130,000.
Goose appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Friday having previously pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud by false representation and was sentenced to six years in jail.
Investigating officer DC Dave Block said: ‘Goose’s offending was a gross abuse of trust and an example of exploitation at its worst.
‘She has shown no remorse throughout this case. Her propensity for dishonesty and the longevity and extent of her ruthlessness is staggering.
‘I am proud of each of her victims for bravely assisting with this investigation.
‘I hope that this sentence provides them with a level of closure and that they can begin to rebuild their lives.’
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