A “CUNNING and manipulative” fraudster who targeted vulnerable women and conned them out of more than £15,000 has been jailed again.

Paul Lawrence, of no fixed address, admitted two counts of theft, two counts of fraud and two counts of obtaining services dishonestly and was imprisoned for two and a half years at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday.

The 32-year-old’s deception of three women took place in the Wallingford and Didcot area between June and August last year.

Personal trainer Josephine Shann was persuaded to hand over £10,000 of her money after being interviewed for a job by Lawrence, who purported to be a businessman. Lawrence promised to invest the cash but it was never returned, the court heard.

Charlene Sumnall, prosecuting, said: “He convinced her if she gave him more she could buy a horse transport business. No such business existed.

“In total Mr Lawrence has had just over £13,000 from Miss Shann.

“She describes feeling incredibly stupid being taken in by Mr Lawrence.”

Two 19-year-old women, Lucy Clifton and Kirsty Boyd, believed they were accepting employment from Lawrence when they were offered jobs by him, but they were never paid.

The pair undertook work including clearing a field, believing it was owned by Mr Lawrence’s father.

The field had been rented from a farmer who was not paid.

Ms Sumnall said: “They were naive about the job market and Mr Lawrence exploited that.”

Miss Clifton borrowed £1,000 from family members to give to Lawrence after he promised to invest it in stocks and shares.

Miss Boyd lent Lawrence £450 when he said he had forgotten his wallet.

Lawrence took £15,133.29 in total from the three victims.

Roger Daniells-Smith, defending, said: “He has finally woken up to what he has been doing to people. He has finally seen he needs help.”

Sentencing, judge Ian Pringle said: “You have a real problem in so far as you seem to be unable to resist being a conman and fraudster and someone who takes advantage of vulnerable or naive people.”

RECORD

  • In March 2010, Lawrence was wanted by police in connection to a series of fraud offences across Oxfordshire and Berkshire totalling £8,000.
  • He was arrested in July 14, 2009, in Oxford with a 26-year-old woman on suspicion of fraud.
  • Lawrence failed to answer bail and a police search followed.
  • At the time, police said he was frequently on the move and was known to use the surnames Savage, Jessop and Miller.
  • In September 2011, Lawrence was given 19 months in jail for 17 charges of fraud and one count of theft. An arrest warrant was issued after he failed to show up at Oxford Crown Court.
  • The offences took place between March 2009 and March 2011 and involved equestrian equipment that was sold but never delivered, and cheques for accommodation that bounced. The Linton Lodge Hotel in Oxford was among the victims.