Kingsbridge police officer defrauded vulnerable pensioner

Victim died before offences came to light

A fraudulent Kingsbridge police officer who swindled an extremely vulnerable elderly widow out of more than £18,000 is starting a 20-month prison sentence.

PC Sam Smith, 31, resigned from Devon and Cornwall Police after his offences came to light.

He had first met the frail 81-year-old when he was called to her Dartmouth home to check on her welfare. 

He befriended her but later went on to use her bank and credit cards to go on an online spending spree in 2020.  

On one occasion, 31-year-old Smith signed for goods using the name of the woman’s late husband.

The housebound victim was suffering from cancer and alcohol-related dementia, had no family or support network and was struggling with her both her mental and physical health.

She was later hospitalised and died in November 2020.

PC Smith’s fraudulent exploits were uncovered when online expenditure, spotted by the victim’s solicitor on her bank statements, raised suspicion – because she did not use the internet. Nor did she use e-mail or own a mobile phone.

Smith who later moved to London, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after admitting eight counts of fraud – totalling £18,276 – when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court this week.

The court was told his victim lived alone and was struggling to care for herself as her poor health deteriorated further.

Smith went on to spend thousands of pounds online on items such as gaming and computer kit, a 65-inch television, a soundbar, an air weapon and accessories, and motorcycle gear. 

Each time he recorded the victim as the customer and used her contact details and address.

Smith arranged for a computer and gaming chair to be delivered to a car park and signed for the items using the name of the victim’s late husband.

A number of the items were found in his Kingsbridge home when officers searched the property.

Detective Constable Emily Sheppard said: “I never knew or met the victim as she sadly passed away in November 2020, but I felt I got to know her a little while investigating these offences.

“She lived an extremely interesting life and remained fiercely independent until her final year when her health sadly deteriorated.

“Throughout my enquiries she has always been in my thoughts. I am deeply saddened that I have had to investigate the actions of a former colleague for these offences.

“His actions do not represent the values held by the majority of officers who diligently do their best to help and serve the public every day.”

Superintendent Jo Arundale, head of Devon and Cornwall Police’s Professional Standards Department, added: “We note and welcome the sentencing of Sam Smith today for what are appalling crimes involving a vulnerable victim.

“Smith’s actions were wrong, illegal and he now faces the consequences of that.

“All police officers have a privileged role in being part of a Force responsible for the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

“Devon and Cornwall Police takes any reports of illegal or inappropriate conduct extremely seriously.

“All officers and staff are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics and ensure the highest standards of behaviour, both on and off duty.

“I can reassure the public that the overwhelming majority of our officers and staff work diligently to help to keep the public safe, uphold our high standards and provide an exceptional service to our communities. 

“We will always take the appropriate action when standards fall below those expected and continue to learn from any instances where they do.”