An elderly couple, who thought of a woman they helped raise as their daughter, were defrauded of £150,000 by 28-year-old Lucy Paginton from Newport. Paginton created false documents to deceive the couple into believing she was using their money to purchase property when, in fact, she spent it on luxury stays at the Celtic Manor, travelling, and expensive clothing. The victims, Jack, 88, and Mary Hillier, 90, had a close bond with Paginton since she was two years old and had entrusted her with their financial matters. The extent of the deception unfolded during a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court where it was revealed that Paginton employed various deceitful tactics to extract as much money as possible from the Hilliers.
According to prosecutor Thomas Stanway, Paginton fabricated documents such as bank statements from Halifax and letters from the Redrow housebuilding company to lead the couple into believing she was handling property transactions on their behalf. The majority of the fraudulent activities involved claims by Paginton that she was purchasing houses for herself, her partner, and the Hilliers, who had provided her with funds for deposits. The couple intended to sell their home, move into the new property, and leave it to Paginton in their will. More than £100,000 was transferred to Paginton through bank transactions and cash payments, all under the guise of property purchases that never materialised.
When the deception started to unravel, Paginton resorted to creating false bank statements and solicitor letters to maintain the illusion of ongoing transactions. The Hilliers were misled into believing they were entitled to compensation and that funds were available in their accounts. Paginton went as far as fabricating letters from HM Courts and Tribunal Service and a solicitors firm, claiming additional compensation was due and even coerced Mr Hillier into making a £12,000 payment in fees. The total deception amounted to £150,000, with a further attempt to defraud the couple of an additional £12,000.
Following a police report, Paginton denied any wrongdoing, attributing the transactions to “gifts” from the Hilliers. However, a scrutiny of her bank records revealed expenditures on luxury accommodations, high-end fashion items from Flannels, and travel expenses. Prior to the trial, Paginton pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation, acknowledging her actions. During the proceedings, victim impact statements from Jack and Mary Hillier highlighted the devastating effects of the betrayal on their lives.
Jack Hillier spoke of the physical and emotional toll caused by the fraud, necessitating medical treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression. The couple, who had hoped to enjoy their retirement after diligently saving their entire lives, found themselves financially ruined and emotionally shattered by Paginton’s actions. The emotional turmoil was echoed by Mary Hillier, who described sleepless nights and constant worry over the situation. Despite their deep affection for Paginton, they expressed feelings of betrayal and hurt over the breach of trust.
In her defense, Paginton’s lawyer, Neil Evans, portrayed her as immature and financially struggling, influenced by the generosity of the Hilliers who had pampered her beyond her means. He suggested that what began as small-scale deception spiralled out of control due to her circumstances. Paginton, a single mother with an elderly grandfather, was deemed to have subjected the Hilliers to sustained dishonesty by Judge Carl Harrison. As a consequence, she was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, with emotional scenes as she was led away.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating impact of financial exploitation, especially when perpetrated against vulnerable or trusting individuals. It underscores the importance of due diligence and vigilance in financial transactions, even within familial or close relationships. The resilience and courage exhibited by the Hilliers in seeking justice and speaking out against the betrayal stand as a testament to their strength in the face of adversity. In the aftermath of the deception, the couple’s profound sense of loss and emotional turmoil underscores the complexity of rebuilding trust and healing from such a profound breach.