PRESTON MAN JAILED FOR ROMANCE FRAUD AND THEFT FROM VULNERABLE WOMEN
A Lancashire man from Preston named Oliver Anthony Alexander, who also went by multiple aliases and had changed his name twice by deed poll (originally Joshua Jamie McKenna, once from Oliver Alexander Davenport), has been jailed for crimes against women seeking love.He manipulated women online, gaining their trust by pretending to be someone he was not, and gained entry into their homes through lies.
Once inside, he stole valuable and sentimental items including a wedding ring, iPad, television, and personal belongings from two women.
One victim met him online and allowed him to stay at her home for a week before discovering he had taken her TV, a gold wedding ring, and her late father's suit.
The second woman also let him stay, only to realize his suspicious behavior, leading her to report him to police.
When officers arrested him, they found stolen items, love letters, and contact details for other women in his car.
Alexander had a history of offending, including a conviction for sexually aggravated assault.
He appeared at Merthyr Magistrates' Court on July 22, admitting two counts of theft and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months for each offence, along with restraining orders against both victims that last two years.
Sergeant Craig Morgan described him as a prolific offender who preys on vulnerable women by deception, crossing police borders to commit offences, and charming victims to gain their trust.
The victims are thanked for their honesty and strength in reporting these crimes, and it is hoped that the sentence offers them some comfort.
