A Criminal Enterprise Targeting Elderly Victims
A group of individuals involved in a large-scale and well-organised criminal enterprise were apprehended by the police after being caught attempting to purchase building materials using stolen bank details. The men, who had traveled over 250 miles to the Swansea area, were part of a network that exploited the personal information of elderly and vulnerable people across the UK. This information was used to make fraudulent purchases of copper piping and other items from unsuspecting suppliers, which were then quickly sold for cash at scrap yards.
Key Players in the Conspiracy
At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC described Benjamin Poyton and Liam Jones as “vital cogs” in the conspiracy. However, the identities of those higher up in the criminal organisation remain unknown. One of the defendants was under investigation for similar activities in London at the time of the incident in Wales.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Dean Pulling, explained that between March 19 and March 26 this year, a series of orders were placed with two building supply firms in Swansea and the Swansea Valley—LBS in Landore and JA Daly in Ystradgynlais. These orders, made in the names of various companies, were worth thousands of pounds and involved copper tubes and nails. The goods were collected by the defendants in vans.
Fraudulent Activities Uncovered
The court was told that all the company names used for these orders were fake, and the payment details used for the transactions had been previously stolen from elderly and vulnerable individuals. When another order was placed with LBS on March 26, the manager became suspicious and contacted the police. Officers waited for the order to be collected and arrested Benjamin Poyton when he arrived in a Citroen Berlingo van. His response to being cautioned was, “I knew I was running on thin ice.”
Poyton’s phone was seized, but he refused to reveal the PIN, stating, “No, I would rather that than chance what I have on that.” Later that day, another phone order was placed with LBS, and the caller checked whether the first one had been successfully collected. The manager played along, and when Liam Jones arrived in a VW Crafter van, he was arrested by waiting officers.
Evidence and Sentencing
Upon searching Poyton’s van, officers found a receipt for £824 from EMR scrap yard in Cardiff. CCTV footage showed Poyton dropping off copper pipes on March 18, 19, 20, and 21. Further checks revealed that both defendants had been staying in a hotel in the Swansea area. The total value of the fraudulently obtained items was just under £10,000.
Benjamin Poyton, aged 36, and Liam Jones, aged 28, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud. Poyton also admitted to driving without insurance and violating his licence, while Jones had previous convictions for driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Legal Arguments and Judicial Response
Dan Griffiths, representing Poyton, highlighted that his client was paid £200 per trip to discharge a drugs debt. He argued that Poyton was not involved in obtaining the stolen bank details or placing the orders, but was merely taking the risk of collecting the goods.
David Singh, representing Jones, asked the court to consider his lack of prior convictions, military service, and good work ethic. He noted that Jones, a father of four, was concerned about being absent from his family. However, the judge pointed out that Jones had engaged in the fraud after being released under investigation by London police.
Judge Thomas described the operation as a “large-scale and well-organised criminal enterprise” that targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals. While both defendants were essential to the operation, their sentences reflected differences in their criminal histories and potential for rehabilitation.
Final Sentences
Both defendants received 14 months in prison, with a 20% discount for their guilty pleas. Poyton will serve his sentence immediately, while Jones’ sentence was suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend a rehabilitation course. The judge noted that Jones avoided immediate imprisonment “by the skin of your teeth” and expressed concern about his priorities regarding his family.
