A man who masqueraded as a will writer to con victims out of their inheritance has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison.
Taking advantage of a grieving widow, Mark Bonner took some of the funds gained from selling the house of her dead husband, leaving her with less than 50% of the money she was due.
After defrauding his victims, Bonner would deter them from contacting him by using delaying tactics and constant excuses.
After the widow reported the incident in 2012, a four-year investigation was conducted by the police, who found that the criminal had targeted another victim in the meantime.
This time, he had kept proceeds of sale totalling £298,000, having defrauded an elderly man in his 70s.
It is believed that Bonner, who ran a will-writing and legal services business, had probably defrauded others prior to the initial reported incident.
Commenting on the case was DC Ari Yoganathan. The leader of the investigation into Bonner highlighted the vulnerable nature of those targeted, stating: “Bonner preyed on vulnerable victims and defrauded them of significant sums of money while they were still in the process of grieving for their loved ones.
“This was despicable behaviour and I am glad that the jury has convicted Bonner and he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“Our investigation indicates Bonner targeted other people and I would urge anyone who may have been defrauded by him to contact police.”
