A court in Cardiff heard allegations against Layne Perry, accused of 21 counts of theft and fraud involving three pensioners, including 71-year-old Mrs. Jones, whom he allegedly swindled out
of over £98,000 in savings.
Perry, presenting himself as a wealthy businessman, supposedly gained Mrs. Jones' trust, taking her to a bank to apply for a £25,000 loan after giving her wine, claiming it was to ease her anxiety about seeking the money.
Mrs. Jones, feeling nervous about the transaction, stated that Perry assured her she was doing nothing wrong. She expressed ignorance regarding Perry's intentions behind the loan request.
During her testimony, Mrs. Jones revealed meeting Perry a year after her husband's passing, entrusting him due to his supposed wealth. Perry gradually took control of her bank accounts, dictating her financial matters.
He purportedly withdrew £98,350 from her accounts and obtained loans and credit cards using her identity. Mrs. Jones claimed she never recognized or authorized withdrawals of sums like £1,500, £6,000, and £10,000.
Perry allegedly promised Mrs. Jones a new life in Gloucestershire, intending to buy an estate there with his partner Serena and wished for Mrs. Jones to join them. She even placed her Aberdare house on the market, influenced by Perry's counsel for a quick sale despite her estimation of its higher value.
Perry supposedly discouraged Mrs. Jones from informing her son about the sale, leading to less frequent communication between them.
The trial continues at Cardiff Crown Court as Perry denies all charges against him. Photo by Ham, Wikimedia commons.