Jess Hardiman
A couple have been jailed after stealing £117,000 of one of their parents’ money, leaving them with just 28p.
Gary Mansell, 61, and his wife Diane, 58, were jailed for six years after fraudulently taking Gary’s elderly parents’ life savings.
They managed to fund their lavish lifestyle after underselling the pensioners’ £255,000 home by about £100,000, having sold it privately so that they could reap the rewards.
The couple left Fred and Enid Mansell with just 28p, while they jetted off on luxurious holidays including a £7,900 trip to Jamaica and a £4,000 vacation to Cape Verde.
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Between 2017 and 2020, they also spent £25,000 on a new kitchen, while other extravagances included cosmetic dental work, an eternity ring and designer handbags.
Following a trial last month, Gary and Diane were convicted of fraud by abuse of position and money laundering, and were each jailed for six years.
Judge David Swinnerton said: “This is the most despicable display of greed, vanity and selfishness.
“You showed them very little care, they were a cash cow for you to enable you to live that lifestyle.
“You had a position of responsibility, power and trust - all of which was grossly breached by you."
Gary, of Woolton in Merseyside, had been a boss at Jaguar Land Rover on a £95,000 salary, while Diane ran a curtain business until she was made bankrupt.
“For many people that would be a decent income on which you could live a good life but it doesn’t appear to be enough for you and Diane,” Judge Swinnerton told Gary, who - along with his wife - had managed to convince his parents to move into their home and let them have power of attorney.
Enid passed away in December last year, with her husband now living in a care home.
He described the last few months of his wife’s life as ‘horrible and traumatic’.
Charlotte Atherton, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court: “Fred believed that his son and wife would look after him and Enid so that they didn’t have to go into a care home in their old age."
As Gary was told they would be jailed for six years, he blew Diane a kiss through the video link screens, as his wife burst into tears.
“You were both of good character but this is the most despicable display of greed, vanity and selfishness so you could live a lifestyle well beyond your means,” Swinnerton said.