Man who stole £100k from neighbour, 76, jailed

Lee Hodson was jailed for more than five years for offences including fraud and money-laundering

A "heartless" fraudster who stole more than £100,000 from his vulnerable 76-year-old neighbour has been jailed.

Lee Hodson and his partner Jennifer Picken, both from Eccles in Greater Manchester, were arrested after suspicious activity was flagged on their victim's bank account.

An investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) found 36-year-old Hodson had impersonated him by using stolen paperwork to set up online accounts. Hodson then used his 31-year-old girlfriend's bank account to launder the money.

Hodson was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to five years and four months in prison for offences including fraud and money laundering, while Picken was jailed for 22 months, suspended for two years, for money laundering.

'Targeted an elderly gentleman'

Police said Hodson arranged for his victim's pensions and state benefits to be paid directly into his own bank account.

Suspicions were raised at the victim's bank when £230,742 was withdrawn and transferred to Picken's account in June 2021.

Det Insp Tim Flint said: "We were investigating a well-planned fraud which ultimately targeted an elderly gentleman out of £100,000.

"It was heartless and they preyed on him because of his age.

"Their despicable actions have had a devastating impact on the victim, who has now sadly passed away, and now his surviving relatives have had to endure a trial.

"We are urging anyone who has an elderly relative to make them aware of this type of fraud."