Man who defrauded disabled woman of £15,000 jailed

Robert Wiles told police he would rather kill himself than care for the woman he defrauded

A man who has "never shown remorse" for defrauding a disabled woman of more than £15,000 has been jailed for 21 months.

Robert Wiles, of High Row, Malton, befriended and pressured the woman to transfer him payments over the course of more than two years, starting in November 2019.

The victim, from Scarborough, said: "I genuinely believed that Robert was a friend who was looking out for me and trying to help me. I feel that he has ruined my life."

Wiles, 36, admitted fraud by false representation in June, and was sentenced at York Crown Court.

Speaking after Wednesday's sentencing, Det Con Stephanie Palmer, of North Yorkshire Police, said Wiles had "an attitude of disdain" towards the woman and had never shown remorse.

"During the police interviews, he cruelly stated he would rather kill himself than be a carer for the victim, and that she deserved to be alone," she said.

He helped the victim, who was in her late fifties, with computer work and household tasks for payment, then began falsely telling her she could be investigated for benefit fraud.

The victim, who is unable to work due to mental and physical health issues, said she had not received any compensation for the £15,144.49 she lost.

"I would love to move away from the area so I can get away from him, but I have no way of affording this now," she added.

Wiles was arrested after the victim confided in someone during a hospital stay, who then reported the matter to police in March 2022.

The investigation found he had even persuaded the woman to change bank after concerns were raised by her original provider about the online transactions.

Det Con Palmer added: "Almost every month during the period of the fraud, she was left with hardly any benefits in her bank account.

"I truly hope she can find some comfort knowing that he has finally faced justice for what he has put her through."

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