A fraudster from Letchworth who took £30,000 from an elderly couple has been jailed for more than four years.

Lee Chapman, of West View, was sentenced to four years and three months behind bars after appearing at St Albans Crown Court last Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to theft and harassment.

In February 2022, the 33-year-old purchased two vehicles from the elderly couple, but returned a few days later, asking if he had left his bank card behind.

The victims stated they had not seen it, before Chapman began to engage them in conversation, claiming he had money troubles and was struggling to care for his children, including one who was sick.

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Chapman was offered money, which he took, before repeatedly returning to the couple’s home over the coming months to ask for more money.

It is estimated that the couple handed over almost £21,000 between February and August 2022.

Concerns were raised with police by a third party in September, and Chapman was arrested, before being released on bail while enquiries continued.

Despite conditions stating he must not contact the victims, Chapman continued to do so, asking for more money.

He also pretended to be a family member, claiming he could pay the victims back and persuaded them to hand over yet more cash.

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By this time, the couple had handed over more than £30,000 to Chapman, and the calls continued until the victims stopped engaging and contacted police.

By this time, investigating officers had gathered enough evidence to secure charges against Chapman.

"Chapman’s actions were nothing short of deplorable," said Detective Constable Manmeet Kaur, who led the case.

"He preyed on an elderly couple and exploited their caring nature time and time again for his own selfish gains.

"As a result, the victims were left unable to buy food, pay for heating or cover their household bills.

"I am pleased that Chapman is now behind bars and I hope this provides the victims with a sense of closure to what has been an extremely upsetting ordeal for them and their family."