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25
Mar
Harrogate's 'Tinder Swindler' gets extra jail time after admitting nine more offences
A convicted conman from Harrogate who span a web of lies to swindle victims has had his jail time increased by 50% after admitting more fraud offences.
Peter Gray, 36, who had moved away from Harrogate and was living in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, was sentenced to a further two years and four months at Leeds Crown Court after admitting nine offences of fraud committed against two victims from Kirklees.
In February 2024, Gray – who is believed to have attended Pannal Primary School and Rossett High School (now Rossett School) – was sentenced to 56 months in prison for defrauding four women of around £80,000.
The latest sentence was ordered to run consecutively to the previous sentence.
At the court hearing, Gray – dubbed the 'Tinder Swindler' – was convicted of eight offences of fraud by false representation against a woman between 2020 and 2023, and one fraud offence against a man committed in August 2021.
His offending against the woman included gaining large amounts of cash from her for non-existent work to a property and using her pay TV account to obtain goods and services.
He also took out a lease for a car in her name and used her credit card without consent.
Gray also used the personal details of his friend to successfully take out a £25,000 loan in his name.
'He cannot tell the difference between reality and fantasy'
DC David Allott, from Kirklees Precision Serious and Organised Crime Team, said:
Peter Gray is a serial fraudster. I truly believe that he cannot tell the difference between reality and fantasy.
During the investigation, it was clear to see the web of lies he spun with his victims in order to extort cash to fund his lifestyle.
Gray identified numerous ways he could control and manipulate his victims and he has shown no remorse for his actions.
He added:
Romance fraud is a cruel offence which causes serious emotional harm to victims, as well as the financial impact it entails. Many people struggle to report offences due to the level of deception they’ve been subject to.
Thankfully, because of the courage and bravery of his victims and a detailed investigation, Gray was left with no option other than to admit his guilt.
I want to thank those victims for the bravery they showed in contacting us and urge others who have been targeted to come forward.
Criminals who engage in this wicked crime are amongst the most devious and convincing fraudsters we see and there is nothing to be ashamed about if you have been affected.
Help and guidance about spotting the signs of romance fraud and about how to make reports if you are a victim or concerned about a loved one, can be found on the West Yorkshire Police website.
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