Victims repaid £70k from fraudster's inheritance

Dorset Police discovered the fraudster's inheritance in 2023

A fraudster who stole more than £70,000 from two women nine years ago has had part of his inheritance confiscated to repay his victims.

Patrick Baker, 68, was jailed for four years in 2019 but his lack of funds at the time meant a confiscation order was only made for £1,000.

When Dorset Police discovered his inheritance in 2023, and officers worked with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) to recover the money.

The women have now been repaid in full following a compensation order, agreed in July.

Police said the first of the two victims - a family friend - had £52,493 stolen after being pressurised to send money between 2014 and 2015.

Baker, who lived in Blandford at the time, claimed he needed it to pay his mortgage and bills while he was waiting for a big deal to come off.

The other victim, now in her 90s, was a former colleague who, for similar reasons, transferred £20,000 in 2015 that was never returned.

Dorset Police said Baker, who previously received a suspended sentence for fraud offences, was found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court of two counts of fraud and jailed.

SWROCU's Asset Confiscation Enforcement Team revisits cases where offenders have not paid back money made through their crimes.

Team manager Amanda Alldridge said: "It was brilliant work by Dorset Police to identify the fact he had come into this inheritance.

"We were keen to take the case on and ensure the money he received went to the victims he stole from, not to him.

"Both women were delighted to get their money back after all this time, though it has clearly been a long and stressful period for them."

Baker's first victim told police she was "incredibly grateful for all the hard work and persistence", adding that she never expected to get her money back.

The second woman told Dorset Police the money would help her "feel more secure".