A couple from Alburgh, Norfolk were handed a prison sentence this month, after an elderly woman was conned out of her life savings of more than £280,000. Nadia Dervish, 48 and her partner Michael Kenevan, 45 ruthlessly and repeatedly targeted Peggy Byford over a period of over 10 years. Mrs Byford suffered from dementia and sadly passed away in 2014.
Dervish originally conned her way into Mrs Byford’s home in Harleston by starting work as a cleaner for her and her husband. They became friends and when Mrs Byford lost her husband Don, she increasingly relied on the pair for help. Cleaning her home and looking after her garden, they also acted as companions. It is understood that Mrs Byford also received help from external care workers.
Once trust was gained, Dervish attained Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in 2011 and subsequently persuaded Mrs Byford to change her will, leaving everything to the couple. They used the stolen cash to lavish gifts on themselves including a motorhome, a car and paying off their mortgage.
Over a 5 year period it is understood Mrs Byford issued cheques to the couple to the value of £282,000.
The case was brought to the attention of police by Mrs Byford’s friends who were suspicious of the couple’s wealth, and they were later arrested in December 2013.
The couple denied the allegations. Dervish denied one count of wilful neglect and seven charges of theft along with Kenevan.
Giving evidence earlier in the trial, Dervish said that Mrs Byford was very generous, and wanted them to benefit from her will, and Mr Kenevan said in interview he did not think they were being dishonest.
The jury heard Dervish had no previous convictions however, Kenevan had been previously caught for not sufficiently keeping track of fares whilst employed as a bus driver.
Sentencing the pair, Recorder Boothby said: “You are a very dishonest couple. Peggy Byford was suffering from dementia and you manipulated GPs and solicitors to take over the finances of an old lady.”
They both received three-year prison sentences after being found guilty of six charges of theft by a jury at King’s Lynn Crown Court.
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