One of Britain's most prolific romance fraudsters has been jailed after scamming multiple women into handing over hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund his gambling addiction.
Nigel Baker, 56, targeted five divorced single mothers on dating apps, posing as a wealthy businessman - then conned the women out of more than £900,000.
The fraudster urged the vulnerable mothers to sell their homes and take out massive loans of up to £200,000 to invest in his "risk-free" betting company.
Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that Baker assured two of his victims that he was an official online bookmaker and their cash was not at risk.
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The 56-year-old then proceeded the splurge his "winnings" on online betting websites like Betfair.
One account used by the “dangerous predator" showed losses of almost £4million.
Judge Charles Falk told Snaresbrook Crown Court that Baker promised his victims another opportunity at love.
His victims included a businesswoman, an accountant and a police officer.
Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that Baker assured his victims that their cash was safe
|PA
The 56-year-old was simultaneously in a relationship with three of his victims, telling them he was trying to earn money to build a life with them.
More women have come forward alleging to have been defrauded by Baker, but their claims were not heard during the proceedings.
Judge Falk blasted him as a “complete charlatan” as he handed down a 17-year prison sentence.
The jail term has set the record for the longest ever imposed for romance fraud in British legal history.
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One betting account used by the 'dangerous predator' showed losses of almost £4million
|GETTY
Addressing the con artist, Judge Falk said he had “mercilessly and cynically exploited the trust of his victims”.
He said: “These offences represent a sustained and calculated course of conduct over several years.
“Your purpose was pure financial gain. You didn’t care a jot for any of them, and you mercilessly and cynically exploited [their] trust.
“When they had lost everything — or you thought they had lost everything — you would discard them and move on to your next victim.”
Nigel Baker, 56, targeted five divorced single mothers on dating apps (file photo)
|GETTY
Alexander Williams, defending Baker, claimed the 56-year-old was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the Marchioness boat disaster in 1989, which killed 51 people.
But after a month-long trial earlier this year, the 56-year-old was convicted of 18 counts of fraud by false representation.
Baker's offending took place between 2012 and 2020.
Victims and their families were left in shock after Baker mouthed “Happy Christmas” before he was led from the dock.
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