Tinder conman from Denbighshire jailed for taking £68,000 from victims
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Tinder conman who claimed he was a millionaire jailed for taking £68,000 from victims
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By Sarah Easedale, BBC Wales
Avon and Somerset Police
A fraudster who posed as a special forces soldier-turned-multimillionaire cancer patient has been sentenced to over three years in prison.
Joseph Gibson, 35, from Penbryn Nant, Ruthin, Denbighshire, defrauded four victims—two of whom he met on dating app Tinder—out of nearly £68,000.
Gibson lied about his wealth and affiliations, claiming to have served in the Special Boat Service and owning yachts. He was sentenced to three years and two months at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, after pleading guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation.
Another hearing will determine how Gibson can repay his victims.
The court heard that one victim lost over £5,600 after being convinced to send money for business opportunities, hospital bills, and online trading. Another, known as SC, handed over more than £30,000 under the pretence of substantial returns through investments and trading, losing around £21,000.
A third victim, JH, invested based on Gibson’s false claims of being a successful businessman, forking over £28,000 with only about £10,000 returned. The fourth victim, a retired super yacht captain known as PH, lost £23,350 and suffered severe emotional distress.
Gibson’s barrister requested a delay in sentencing to allow him time to earn money for victim compensation. However, the prosecution expressed concerns over Gibson’s finances and credibility, noting significant amounts of money flowing through his accounts despite lavish spending on cars and overseas travel.
The judge, Recorder Jaron Crooknorth, described Gibson’s offending as "serious, sophisticated, and sustained," beginning with his first contact with victims. Between July 2020 and October 2021, Gibson used false identities, invented business ventures, and provided fake bank statements to deceive his victims.
The judge acknowledged the substantial financial and emotional harm suffered by the victims, some of whom were left deeply in debt and experienced strained relationships.
