Gurpem Singh jailed for £80,000 elderly con

Jun 14 2009 by Adam Jupp, Sunday Sun

Son tells of scam artist's intimidation tactics

THE SON of a pensioner who was conned out of cash has spoken out about his mother’s ordeal.

Scam artist Gurpem Singh targeted the vulnerable and disabled across the region and among his victims was 86-year-old Ethel Gilderoy, of Great Lumley, County Durham, who he cheated out of £175 over several cheque payments.

Her son John, 61, who told how his mother now suffers from dementia and lives in a care home, says Singh used heartless intimidation tactics on his victims.

And while she may not have suffered from dementia at the time, John says the incident was "a consideration" when she went into care. He believes the court case scratched the surface of Singh’s callous operation.

The dad-of-two said: "I think what we know now is only the tip of the iceberg.

"We feel incredibly lucky as he could have conned thousands of pounds out of mum. I consider her to be very, very lucky.

"What amazed me was the intimidation which came with it.

"She would not talk about what was going on and my wife took her to one side. She told my wife to tell me to not take it any further with the police.

"He was obviously targeting people in a very calculated way and knew when the money was going to be in the bank.

"The first time it happened we managed to stop the cheque, but we didn’t realise he was still coming round. She had chains and locks on the door, but she still let him in."

John, of Burnmoor, County Durham, told how he tried to persuade his mum not to be so trusting of strangers.

He said: "We managed to educate her to say no to letting people in, but one time a guy came to the door and when she refused to let him in, he asked for water to take tablets.

"She went off to get it and when she came back he was sitting in the lounge.

"It makes you wonder how many other people were targeted. Two and half years is not very long for the amount he stole.

"Mum can’t remember what happened anymore, she is suffering from slight dementia. I just hope other victims come forward now."

By Laura Caroe