Homeless man who targeted nine victims – including a 91-year-old – in courier fraud jailed

A homeless man who preyed on elderly people while pretending to be a courier driver has been jailed for three years.

Sonny McClean has also been banned from driving for 15 months.

Between May 13, 2020, and July 9, 2020, he targeted nine people across Berkshire and Oxfordshire aged between 67 and 91, claiming to be working for their banks.

Each person was told their bank card had been compromised or was due to expire, and a courier would deliver a new one, while collecting their old one.

On one occasion, after the victim questioned McClean’s identify, they were pushed and robbed of their bank card.

At Aylesbury Crown Court on February 2, McClean pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced on Friday, July 12.

Investigating officer DC Karen Symons, based at Newbury Police Station, said: “This was an appalling crime, targeting vulnerable people at the height of the pandemic when many were fearful of leaving their homes.

“Concealing his identity by wearing a face mask, McClean posed as a courier and claimed to be replacing the victims’ bank cards and helping them avoid having to leave their home.

“Using personal details to support his deception, McClean was able to make numerous withdrawals and rob vulnerable people of their finances.

“I would like to thank the victims and their families in this case who have bravely contributed and supported our efforts to bring them justice.”

She added: “We’re aware that incidents like fraud can have a huge impact on individuals, often causing victim’s to feel embarrassed.

“I would like to reassure anyone affected by fraud to report these issues without fear of judgment, but rather you can be confident that we will do our utmost to secure justice.”