A FRAUDSTER who stole almost £2million from friends, family, customers and a charity “abused his position of trust”.
Police who led the investigation into Timothy Barnes, of Charland Court in Droitwich, have spoken out after he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for more than 30 fraud offences.
The 68-year-old, who is also known as Paul, began his campaign of fraud in 2022, by approaching people he knew for a short-term loan, by claiming he needed the money for an inheritance or divorce payment.
Having worked as a financial adviser, Barnes then started to approach his clients.
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He also stole £206,500 from the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust, where he was a former chairman, and £1,245 from Morton Wood Residents Association.
Investigating officers later discovered that Barnes had been investing the stolen money into his crypto wallet.
FRAUD: Timothy ‘Paul’ Barnes was jailed for a campaign of fraud (Image: West Mercia Police)
Detective Sergeant Bev Hamilton, from West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “I welcome the custodial sentence handed to Barnes who abused his position of trust as a financial adviser, charitable trust chair and a neighbour and friend to many.
“Over an 18-month period, Barnes had stolen nearly £2million from a total of 36 individuals and organisations alike, causing significant harm across both his personal and professional circles.
“The actions of criminals like Barnes can have a big impact on lives, businesses, and communities of those they prey upon.”
