Paul Johns, 61, jailed after stealing £29,000 from widow

Paul Johns, 61, of Prestleigh Road in Shepton Mallet, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Monday, September 21, after pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position.

Police said Johns was working as a self-employed debt management adviser when he was entrusted with the money by a client following the sudden death of her husband.

The funds were intended to settle her outstanding debts, but Johns kept the money for himself and forged documents to convince her the debts had been paid.

His actions only came to light when the victim discovered a County Court Judgment (CCJ) had been registered against her due to the unpaid debts.

Detective Inspector Dan Watts from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) said: "The victim in this case was particularly vulnerable following the sudden death of her husband and was facing considerable financial pressures.

"Johns exploited her trust, stealing money that had been provided to clear her debts and then attempting to conceal his actions through forged correspondence.

"Given his previous conviction for fraud, I believe the sentence imposed by the court is entirely appropriate.

"Fraud is far from a victimless crime.

"Victims can suffer significant financial, emotional and psychological harm, with the effects often lasting long after the offence itself has ended."