Edward Blackmore, a 45-year-old resident of Holt, Wiltshire, has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation. His conviction stems from a fraudulent scheme that saw him cheat his in-laws out of £1.8 million by fabricating a multi-million-pound services contract with the prominent French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The fraudulent activities began in August 2018 when Blackmore claimed his company, OGC Sport Investments, had entered into an agreement with PSG. To support these claims, he forged signatures and seals on the contract, making it appear legitimate. Blackmore utilised this fabricated document to secure a significant interest-free loan from his in-laws, assuring them that the funds would be returned ‘shortly’.

The financial dealings escalated further when Blackmore also deceived a finance company, borrowing an additional £1.68 million using the same fraudulent contract. In an effort to substantiate his claims, he forged his wife’s signature on an associated tenancy agreement. The substantial amounts obtained from both his in-laws and the finance company were primarily used to fund the purchase of Beechwood House, a Grade II-listed property located in Bath.

Over the following 18 months, Blackmore defaulted on multiple payments, offering various excuses to delay repayment. He asserted that the PSG funds had been transferred to the wrong bank account and claimed that the financial institution had frozen the money, effectively stalling those to whom he owed money. Despite these assurances, he only managed to repay £76,000 of the £1.68 million loan from the finance company. Eventually, the consequences of his actions led to his eviction from the property, which was sold in a bid to recoup the finance company’s losses.

In light of the fraudulent activities, Blackmore’s in-laws reported him to Action Fraud, subsequently involving Wiltshire Police’s Complex Fraud Team. His sentencing took place at Swindon Crown Court, where the significant impact of his actions on his family was articulated in emotional victim statements.

Blackmore’s mother-in-law expressed the emotional devastation caused by his betrayal, stating, “Mr Blackmore’s deception has had a profound effect on our entire family – physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially.” She highlighted the disruption to their retirement plans, noting the lack of remorse displayed by her son-in-law.

Furthermore, Blackmore’s wife, who has since filed for divorce, articulated the profound impact the fraud had on her life. “When I exchanged wedding vows, I believed I was entering a partnership built on trust, honesty and mutual respect,” she said, adding that the financial strain has drastically altered her circumstances.

Detective Constable Rachael Fairbairn from the Wiltshire Police Complex Fraud Team commented on Blackmore’s betrayal of his family and the substantial toll his lies took on them. As a result of his fraudulent actions, confiscation proceedings are set to begin under the Proceeds of Crime Act, aiming to secure compensation for the victims affected by Blackmore’s deception.

Source: Noah Wire Services