Man manipulated grandparents into handing over £384k

Daniel Tilden has been jailed for three years and nine months

A man who manipulated his grandparents into giving him more than £384,000 has been jailed.

Over the course of 10 years, Daniel Tilden, lied to his victims, aged 81 and 79, to coerce them into handing over large sums of money, claiming it was for a new car, prescriptions and private cancer treatment.

In a victim impact statement, Tilden's grandfather said he was scared to say no, describing his home life as like being "under siege" due to his grandson's constant visits.

The 31-year-old, of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, as well as a 10-year restraining order and a fine, at Swindon Crown Court.

'Appalling behaviour'

Tilden began frequently visiting his grandparents in 2013 and started taking his vulnerable grandfather to a bank to withdraw thousands of pounds at a time.

When the bank stopped the payments Tilden then pressured his grandfather to get cashback from local shops and told him to meet him at cashpoints to make withdrawals.

After being arrested and bailed in November 2023, Tilden repeatedly broke the condition not to contact his grandparents, said Wiltshire Police.

He was later rearrested and charged with controlling or coercive behaviour, having manipulated his victims into handing over £384,077.

PC Sarah Hardwidge said it had been a complex investigation lasting three years.

"It was through partnership working with medical professionals, adult social care, banks and local shops that we were able to gather the evidence required and safeguard the victims," she said.

"Daniel’s offending behaviour towards his grandparents was appalling. He took advantage of their good nature and has caused them lasting distress in their own home."