Glyn Alan Wilmott, 52, along with other accomplices, helped to arrange the fraudulent mortgage. The purpose of the loan was said to be home improvements with the intention of selling the property afterwards. The property owner, Margaret Stubbs, of Royal Street in Northwich, was mortgage-free when the fraudsters targeted her home.
Wilmott, of Birchwood in Oldham, was initially given a four-year sentence in February after being convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud at Chester Crown Court. But he claimed his sentence was too tough and launched an appeal.
The London Appeal Court heard how the victim had been put through ‘three years of hell’ and was constantly living in fear of eviction. She said the ordeal had wreaked a devastating impact on her life.
Despite hearing of Stubbs’ traumatic account, the appeal court reduced the sentence. Judge Marks, sitting with Lady Justice Macur and Mrs Justice Nicola Davies, said the was a clear breach of trust involved but said Wilmott’s character prior to the crime had been impeccable.
The Judge noted that he had lost his professional career and faced financial ruin. The appeal court found the original sentence to be ‘manifestly excessive’ and changed it to three years.
