Couple sentenced for defrauding elderly neighbour out of £100,000

Lee Hodson, 36, and his partner Jennifer Picken, 31, from Eccles, Greater Manchester, have been sentenced for defrauding their 76-year-old neighbor of over £100,000. Hodson impersonated the elderly man by stealing personal documents, allowing him to create online accounts and redirect the victim's pensions and benefits into his own bank account. He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison, while Picken received a 22-month suspended sentence for her role in money laundering. The fraud came to light after suspicious activity was detected on the victim's bank account, leading to an investigation by Greater Manchester Police. The couple's actions were described as heartless, with the victim suffering significant distress before passing away. Detective Inspector Tim Flint condemned their behavior, highlighting the devastating impact on the victim and his family.