Gang of abusers targeted vulnerable elderly victims and 'made their lives a misery'

A network of abusers who targeted vulnerable victims and ‘made their lives a misery’ in Chester have been sentenced.

Four men and four women were convicted of offences including theft, fraud and harassment and jailed for a total of more than 11 years.

Injunctions imposed on them aim to stop them exploiting elderly people in the future.

Investigating officer Leanne Lowndes said: “This has been a long and complex investigation which involved a network of people who preyed on the vulnerable and elderly, making their lives a misery.

“I am pleased with the conclusion of the case, and I hope they bring some sort of closure for all of the victims that were affected.”

'The victims relied on them'

PC Lowndes told BBC North West Tonight: “These victims believed the gang were their true friends, they relied on them and at first didn’t believe they were victims.”

Samantha Daniels, 30, of no fixed address, and Andrew Graham, 32, previously of Euston Grove, Birkenhead, were both jailed for two years and six months.

Mandy Gray 50, formerly of Liscard Road, Liscard, was handed a two-year sentence while Kevin Thompson, 52, of no fixed address, was caged for three years.

Clare Thompson, 43, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for 24 months with supervision.

Darren Daniels, 46, previously of from Glyn Garth, Chester, was jailed for 20 months for unrelated drugs offences, but is also subject to the civil injunction.

They were all sentenced at Chester Crown Court on March 22.

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Crystal Rowson 30, formerly of Selywn Street, Leigh, and Matthew Williams, 43, formerly of Nicholas Street, Chester, were sentenced in January to eight months and three months for theft respectively.

A 40-year-old woman is also subject to the civil injunction.

The terms of the ban means the offenders cannot enter sheltered housing, supported living or care homes without permission, hold onto someone’s bank details and financial documents or act in an anti-social manner within Cheshire West.

Operation Brisbane started in March 2015 after members of the public raised concerns about the abuse of vulnerable people in the Chester area.

'Despicable behaviour'

Chester LPU inspector Brian Green said the sentences reinforced the message the offenders’ ‘despicable behaviour’ would not be tolerated.

He said: “Concerns from the public were brought to the attention of police community support officers who were engaging, listening and reacting to those concerns on their beats.

“It’s very important the public know we’re here for them and see we take their concerns seriously.”

In order to get the civil injunctions granted PC Lowndes worked in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester adult social care to gather evidence against each of the nine defendants.

This was the first time the bans had ever been used by Cheshire Police.

Chester ASB Unit Sergeant Mandy Shaw added: “We monitor reports of this kind of behavior very closely, as it can often cause considerable distress for the victims and their families.

“I hope the conclusion of this case gives people the confidence to come forward and report any concerns which they may have regarding vulnerable people in their area, by contacting Cheshire Police on 101.”