Couple jailed after exploiting elderly man

A woman from Stone and a man from Stoke-on-Trent have been jailed after stealing thousands of pounds from a 75-year-old man who had let them stay at his property.

At Stafford Crown Court on Monday, 9th June, Jenna Holland, aged 40 and from Stone, was sentenced to nine months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation. She was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Her co-defendant, Jack Insley, aged 32 and from Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, was jailed for 10 months after admitting possession of a bladed article in a public place. He also received a concurrent two-month sentence for theft from a person and must pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Concerns raised before Christmas

Police launched an investigation in December 2024 following a 999 call from a concerned member of the public. Officers were told that a 75-year-old man, described as a friend and business partner, was potentially being exploited by the pair.

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Neighbourhood officers tracked them down to an address in Stone, where they found £370 in cash and a lock-knife. It emerged that the couple had moved into the property after being evicted from their own home.

The man, trying to help, gave them around £1,000 and let them stay. But when he asked them to leave on the 18th of December, they refused.

Fraud and theft

On 22nd December, the man contacted his bank after being unable to find his phone. A staff member confirmed that the account had been locked due to suspicious activity. A bank transfer of £4,600 had been made to Holland’s account, alongside several unfamiliar transactions.

Police arrested both Holland and Insley the following day.