Carer Who Fled to Spain Jailed for £300,000 Theft

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Pamela Gwinnett, a former carer who stole £300,000 from an elderly woman’s savings and fled to Spain while on bail, has been extradited to the UK and sentenced to six years and two months in prison. Her arrest and increased sentence highlight the authorities' determination to hold her accountable for exploiting her vulnerable victim and evading justice.

A 63-year-old carer who fled to Spain after stealing £300,000 from an elderly woman’s life savings has been sentenced to prison following her extradition to the UK. Pamela Gwinnett left while on bail awaiting trial for the theft and fraud against Joan Green, 89, the pensioner she had cared for.

Gwinnett escaped to Tenerife in April 2025, shortly after losing a bid to modify her bail conditions, which she claimed were needed to scatter her brother’s ashes on the island. However, no evidence has since been produced to verify the existence or death of this brother. In her absence, she was convicted last October at Preston Crown Court and handed a six-year prison sentence for theft and fraud. At that hearing, Judge Michael Maher described her behavior as having “some brass neck” and strongly condemned her actions.

After being extradited back to the UK and arriving at Manchester Airport last Friday, Gwinnett appeared before the same court. Upon admission of breaching her bail conditions by absconding, Judge Maher increased her sentence by an additional two months. The judge criticized her for showing contempt for the legal process and highlighted that the attempt to evade justice was deliberate and sustained. He also commended the role of journalists in maintaining public attention on the case, which contributed to her eventual arrest and prosecution.

Gwinnett had been employed as a carer for Joan Green in Chorley, Lancashire, where she gained control over the pensioner’s finances and isolated her from family members. Prior to obtaining power of attorney, Gwinnett made false accusations against Green’s step-daughter and step-grandchild, including allegations of theft and neglect. She then used Green’s savings to finance a lavish lifestyle, purchasing a £22,500 car and paying for costly beauty treatments such as Botox.

Law enforcement officials arrested Gwinnett at her apartment in Tenerife on July 14. Following her return to the UK, she was detained and subsequently brought before the courts. Investigating officer PC Georgia Loughton described the effort to repatriate Gwinnett as “relentless,” emphasizing the commitment to ensuring she serves her sentence.

Joan Green’s step-grandson, Mr. Bolton, expressed that Gwinnett’s actions had caused “an immense deal of stress, upset, and heartache,” while his wife Rebecca welcomed the outcome, saying it was “great to finally see justice served.” Gwinnett has been ordered to repay the full amount stolen from the pensioner.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.