Sentences increased for 'callous' gang which defrauded vulnerable victims

15 September 2011

Today the Court of Appeal increased the sentences of four men who, from August 2007 to July 2010 defrauded elderly and infirm people out of considerable sums of money - often their life savings - by pretending that their properties needed urgent repairs.

The Attorney General, Dominic Grieve QC MP, applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to refer these sentences as unduly lenient, arguing they did not reflect the overall criminality and impact on victims.

Thomas Connors Senior, Thomas Connors Junior, Karl O'Hara, and Lawrence Newbury were part of a sophisticated and well run conspiracy. The costs would escalate as further supposed problems with the properties were identified. Sometimes the offenders damaged the property themselves; sometimes the victims were intimidated and threatened until they handed over money.

The four had pleaded guilty earlier this year and were sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 26 weeks suspended for 12 months, to four years. These were today raised by between one to two years each. The sentence of John Connors, who was also charged and pleaded guilty with them was referred but left unchanged.

After appearing in person at court the Attorney General welcomed the judgement:

"This was a callous and well organised nationwide conspiracy to defraud, which was deliberately targeted at the vulnerable, and in particular the elderly. There were many aggravating factors and the sums of money defrauded could not tell the whole story alone. The loss of savings of £2,000 can be just as devastating as £20,000 to another victim."

ends

Further media enquiries to: Russell Hayes 020 7271 2484 or Susan Givens 0207 271 2465 (press.office@attorneygeneral.gsi.gov.uk )

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • The ULS Reference was heard before Lord Justice Pitchford with Mrs Justice Cox DBE and Mr Justice Cranston.

Original sentences with increases:

  • On 27 May 2011 the offenders were sentenced by His Honour Judge Creed for a single offence of conspiracy to defraud which took place between 1 August 2007 and 24 July 2010. They pleaded guilty earlier this year on the basis that they were involved in respect of offences against one or more of 21 of the 29 victims. They were sentenced as follows:
  • Connors Senior: four years, increased to six.
  • Newbury: three years and four months, increased to four years eight months.
  • Connors Junior, three years and four months, increased to four years eight months.
  • O'Hara: two years imprisonment remained the same but an earlier 12-month suspended sentence was activated and is to be served consecutively.
  • John Connors received a sentence of 26 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months with a 12 month supervision order, an unpaid work requirement of 120 hours as well as a specific activity requirement of ten sessions with the Positive Action for Learning service. This was left unchanged.