SERIAL CONMAN ROBERT MARKWARD JAILED AGAIN FOR TARGETING ELDERLY VICTIMS
Robert Markward, a serial conman known for targeting the elderly, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of 10 charges.He had posed as a nurse, handyman, and electrician to deceive and steal from elderly victims in Ayrshire between December 2022 and March 2023.
Despite previous convictions dating back to 1996 and a total of 38 convictions involving 106 charges, Markward continued his criminal activities, including defrauding vulnerable seniors.
He was convicted of crimes such as defrauding individuals, theft, and assaulting a housing complex employee.
The judge, Lady Ross KC, emphasized that although the total money stolen was approximately £600, the crimes' seriousness extended beyond monetary value, especially considering the vulnerable nature of the victims.
The court highlighted that Markward's past sentences did not deter him, and social work reports indicated he was likely to reoffend upon release.
Victims suffered psychological trauma; one elderly woman felt "stupid and a little violated," and her confidence was shaken.
Markward's deceit involved entering homes under false pretenses, such as pretending to be an electrician or a friend of a recently deceased neighbor, before stealing purses, bank cards, and cash.
The court also heard that on a previous occasion, he entered an 88-year-old woman's apartment and stole her purse and bank card.
His criminal history includes jail sentences in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2016 for similar crimes, with early releases and continued offending.
Markward insisted during the latest trial he did not commit crimes against the elderly.
The court recognized the pattern of dishonesty and preying on the vulnerable, with one statement from a victim's daughter describing the event as "nasty" and revealing the damage caused to the victims' confidence.
Additionally, Markward has a long history of similar offenses, including a previous imprisonment for defrauding elderly victims and multiple early releases despite his repeated offending.
