FRAUDSTER 'EXPLOITED' ELDERLY WIDOW OUT OF £12,000, CLEARED HER SAVINGS AND SOLD DEAD HUSBAND'S GUITARS
An elderly woman was targeted by John Harris, an offender with a criminal record and addiction issues, who stole over £12,000 and sold her late husband's guitars.Harris, who befriended his 75-year-old neighbour, built her trust before stealing her savings and personal items.
He opened new mobile phone contracts and bought Apple MacBooks using her details, resulting in a loss of £12,123.
Harris also stole three guitars a limited edition among them that belonged to her deceased husband, and sold these items online for £1,500.
The case was heard in Durham Crown Court, where it was revealed that Harris carried out these offences despite being under a community order for impersonation of a police officer.
He has since been sentenced to prison.
The 35-year-old from Ferryhill appeared in court to admit to seven counts of fraud and one of theft.
His relationship with the elderly woman began shortly after her husband's death in 2020, with Harris assisting her with daily chores and shopping.
Her dependence on him grew, leading her to give him a key to her home.
However, by September 2024, she suspected something was wrong.
Prosecutor Charlie Thompson explained, 'She noticed multiple Apple products billed to her account, with an outstanding balance of £3,000.
She was told to report this to the police.' An investigation uncovered that Harris had swindled her, stealing over £12,000 and the three guitars.
Harris claimed he had an agreement to sell the guitars to benefit her, but she denied this, asserting she never authorised their sale.
Harris sold the guitars via eBay and spent the proceeds on alcohol, claiming he had not finalised the sale.
The guitars belonged to her late husband, and the victim maintained there was no agreement for their sale.
In 2024, Harris also used her Santander card to withdraw £7,780 and helped himself to a contract for an iPhone valued at over £1,000 while she was away in Wallsend.
He further used her Capital One credit card over several days and had items delivered such as a MacBook and iPhones while she stayed with a friend in North Tyneside.
Harris also utilised her Barclay's card to purchase goods worth £183.
The victim stated in her account that the experience made her feel 'fragile, nervous, and vulnerable,' leading her to consider relocating from her home of 25 years.
Harris's criminal history includes prior convictions from 2020 to 2024, including multiple offences of impersonation.
Police had found police uniforms and related equipment at his residence.
He was serving a community order until June.
As he is on benefits with no substantial assets, Harris cannot reimburse the money he stole, although he has been trying to save funds.
The judge remarked that it was unjust for her to go unpaid.
During court proceedings, Robin Patton, representing Harris, explained that his client's criminal conduct was linked to severe alcoholism, noting his family's history of alcohol abuse.
Harris has been engaging in treatment through Positive Directions North East and shown significant improvement.
Judge Thomas Mitchell emphasised Harris's dishonesty over a long period, criticising his exploitation of a vulnerable elderly woman and theft of her savings.
He sentenced Harris to two years in prison, without ordering any restitution.
