Middlesbrough Man Swindles Elderly Woman in Power of Attorney Fraud

A Middlesbrough man has admitted to swindling an elderly woman out of almost £20,000 in a Power of Attorney fraud.

Phillip Hugill, 60, of Penrith Road, Park End, Middlesbrough, has admitted to abusing his position as a woman's Lasting Power of Attorney over a period of nearly two years between 2011 and 2013; pleading guilty to nine charges of fraud at Teeside Crown Court in September.

Judge Howard Crowson, who granted bail to Hugill and adjourned sentencing until October 18th, said to the defendant:

"Don't read into the grant of bail and adjourning for a report that there's any particular sentence in mind.

"You are at risk of prison, of course, but that's something that will be decided on the day. For now you're free to go."

In seven of the charges Hugill is accused of withdrawing cash amounts of varying amounts, ranging from £104 to £10,000 in one case, from six accounts. He is also accused of transferring £9,201 and £5,000 into his bank account in 2012 on the remaining two charges.

If you need assistance with a Lasting Power of Attorney or Probate matter, contact our Wills and Probate solicitors on 01606 834 824 for advice.

Blain Boland

Power of Attorney Solicitors