Fraudster Who Blew Pensioner’s Savings on Botox Lives it Up in Tenerife While Family Demands Extradition
Tenerife, Spain – A convicted fraudster is enjoying life in the sun in Tenerife after stealing £300,000 from an 89-year-old woman, prompting outrage from the victim’s family and calls for swift extradition. Pamela Gwinnett, 63, was sentenced to six years in prison last year for theft and fraud, but fled to the Spanish island while on bail and has remained there for the past 11 months.
Gwinnett isolated Joan Green during the COVID-19 pandemic, securing power of attorney before systematically draining her life savings. She then spent the money on Botox treatments, expensive meals, and mortgages on properties she owned, according to Sky News reporting. Green died in 2022.
The case has drawn the attention of Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, who represents Green’s family. “What a way to have your sentence, in the sun in Tenerife! Lap of luxury,” Hoyle told Sky News. “Living in an apartment, taking the sun every day, going out for meals.” He urged authorities to expedite the extradition process, asking, “Why? I’m also asking why. Enough is enough. Let’s get on with it.”
Sky News tracked down Gwinnett in Tenerife, where she brazenly claimed the victim’s family had taken the money, calling herself a “scapegoat.”
The Speaker also expressed concern that Green may not be the only victim. “My worry is, how many others have also lost money in the same way?” he said, describing Gwinnett as “a master of manipulation of vulnerable people.” He encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Initial handling of the case by Lancashire Police has also come under scrutiny. Hoyle noted it was “appalling” that police initially dismissed the family’s concerns as a civil matter. Greater Manchester Police later launched a criminal investigation after being presented with evidence of discrepancies in Green’s bank accounts.
Lancashire Police confirmed they received an allegation of fraud in March 2023, but stated that their handling of the case is currently under review by their Professional Standards Department and they are unable to comment further.
Hoyle thanked Sky News for its investigation, stating, “Without you, we wouldn’t be highlighting this case nationally and internationally.”
