Man accused of swindling pensioners denies deceit – BBC News

An alleged conman accused of 26 counts of fraud and theft has denied being deceitful or dishonest.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Layne Perry, from London, claimed to be a rich businessman and took out more than £200,000 in loans in the names of three elderly people.

The 39-year-old told a jury that in 2018 he made £80,000 from gambling and could win £5,000 a night.

He claimed he had a £24,000 yearly allowance from his fiancée’s mother.

He did not need money, Mr Perry said, from the three people who say he swindled them.

Giving evidence, Mr Perry admitted he was “the kind of man who would flash the cash”.

He said he didn’t try to hide the fact he had money on him.

The court heard Mr Perry returned to south Wales in 2017 after serving in the army and later working in finance.

He told the jury he took three years off work, during which he lived off savings, “generated” money, gambling winnings and a monthly allowance of £1,500 and £2,500 from his his fiancée’s mother.

The prosecution say Mr Perry gained his alleged victims’ trust before using their identities to apply for multiple loans and credit cards.

He told one he was a financier working in gold. At the time he was living in a rented caravan in Porthcawl.

It is alleged Mr Perry defrauded widow Sharan Jones, 71, from Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, out of more than £98,000 and took out loans and credit cards in her name.

Charles Gwylim, 68, from Bridgend, and his wife Valerie became friends with Mr Perry after meeting in 2017.

The couple and Mr Perry, the court heard, kept horses at the same stables in Bridgend county.

Mr Gwylim said Mr Perry had a key to their flat, which Mr Perry denied.

Mr Gwylim said he later discovered unauthorised loans and financial agreements in his name for more than £130,000.

The retired delivery driver told the court mail deliveries had been redirected without his knowledge or consent, or that of his wife.

He claimed Mr Perry threatened him when he said he said he was going to contact the police.

“He told me if it went to court his barrister would put her [Val] in hospital or in the ground,” Mr Gwylim said.