Fraudster Caught: Man Jailed for Ripping Off Elderly Couple £350k with Fake Will Scam
Percival Harris, 59, from Summerheath, Mabe Burnthouse, has been slammed with a hefty five years and six months behind bars for swindling an elderly couple out of more than £350,000. The conman was convicted at Truro Crown Court last Thursday, found guilty of fraud, forgery, and perverting the course of justice.
The Heartless Scam
Harris targeted Kathleen and Desmond Moyle, a vulnerable elderly couple from a remote area with no children. He wormed his way into their lives, snagged power of attorney, then forged their wills to funnel a staggering £351,481 from their estate — cutting out their rightful heirs.
Detective Constable Isabelle Woodall said: “The victims in this case had no way of knowing that the man they believed to be a devoted friend was motivated by greed.”
“Harris exploited the most vulnerable in society for his own financial gain. He gained their trust only to steal their assets!”
Justice Served, But More to Come
While Harris was found guilty of the major charges, he was cleared of theft and two counts of conspiracy to create a false instrument. The court recognised the devastating financial and emotional toll on the Moyle family, who missed out on their rightful inheritance.
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is due in November. Authorities will push to recover the stolen fortune and make Harris pay back what he took.
Warning to All
This shocking case is a brutal reminder of how ruthless crooks exploit the elderly and vulnerable for cold, hard cash. Stay alert – and protect your loved ones from scams like this.
