Man jailed after defrauding couple in will scam

Percival Harris defrauded more than £350,000 from a couple using a fake will scam

A man has been jailed after defrauding an elderly couple using a fake will scam.

Percival Harris, 59, of Summerheath, Mabe Burnthouse, was jailed for five years and six months at Truro Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard how Harris befriended the couple, Kathleen and Desmond Moyle, to gain power of attorney and defraud them out of £351,481 by forging their wills.

A jury found him guilty of fraud, forgery and perverting the course of justice, but he was found not guilty of theft and two counts of conspiracy to create a false instrument.

'Motivated by greed'

A jury heard his offending had a huge effect financially and emotionally on relatives who should have benefited from the estate.

Det Con Isabelle Woodall, the investigating officer, said Harris "exploited the most vulnerable in society for his own financial gain".

"The victims in this case had no children and lived remotely, had no way of knowing that the man that they believed to be a devoted friend, was motivated by greed," she said.

"Having identified their vulnerabilities and earned their trust Harris contrived to siphon off their assets, netting what remained following their deaths, despite safeguarding measures which should have protected them."

The court was told there would be Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in November.