A bogus debt collector who swindled his unsuspecting victims out of thousands of pounds has been jailed.
Wayne Mark McCreery, 50, targeted a man in his 70s – a small business owner from the Northallerton area – over a three-year period between 2015 and 2018.
McCreery, of St Andrews Road, Trafford, Manchester, and his co-accused Liam Dinsdale, 38, claimed to be from a debt collecting agency acting on behalf of the county court. They said they were acting in relation to outstanding business advertising costs and pressured the man into agreeing to pay regular instalments – threatening him with court action if he did not pay.
Read more: Moment police officer flees on bus, taxi and foot after telling parents ‘I’ve killed Ellie’
North Yorkshire Police were finally alerted to the matter in 2018. McCreery – who is also known as Chadwick – and Dinsdale were arrested alongside seven family members and friends who were later charged with money laundering.
At Bradford Crown Court on Friday, McCreery was jailed for four years. Dinsdale, of Varley Street, Colne, in Lancashire, was due to be sentenced but took ill and his case is expected to be back in court in February.
The seven family members and friends who were charged with money laundering were also sentenced.
Danielle Jade McCreery, 32, of Lodgepole Close, Eccles, Salford, was handed a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, with a six-month curfew. Jade Sutherland, 44, was handed 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with a three-month curfew.
Penelope Lewis, 30, of Sandpiper Close, Farnworth, Bolton, was made the subject of a community order for a year with 150 hours of unpaid work. Marvyn O’Reilly, 39, of Densmore Street, Failsworth, Oldham, was handed nine months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 200 hours of unpaid work.
Margaret Townson, 57, of Fern Street, Colne, Lancashire was given a community order for one year with 150 hours of unpaid work while Krystal Anglin, 41, of Park Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, was handed an 18 month sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 250 hours of unpaid work. Kelly Mary O’Reilly, 44, was made the subject of a community order for a year with 200 hours of unpaid work.
North Yorkshire Police say the investigation was led by Detective Constable Neil Brodhurst from the Economic Crime Unit who, with help from specialist financial investigators, was able to identify the crime against the victim and others across the UK. The total loss to all victims amounted to £472,896.20.
DC Brodhurst said: “Wayne McCreery and Liam Dinsdale are cruel and calculated individuals who have previously served prison sentences for almost identical frauds in other parts of the country. They prey on vulnerable people for their own greed for money at any costs.
“It has been a long and painstaking effort to secure justice for their victims. They have endured a great deal of upset and anguish by these criminals and the people close to them who laundered the money.
“The significant prison sentence handed to McCreery is satisfying for everyone connected to the investigation. I hope the victims are able to take some comfort from the outcome at court and again when Dinsdale is sentenced in February. If you are contacted by someone who says they are working for the court, please use a different phone to contact the court direct before taking any action and seek advice from independent solicitors if there is a debt outstanding.
“Please do not allow other people to use your bank account or to set up bank accounts on their behalf as you may be committing an offence of money laundering.
“It is also crucial to report any concerns and suspicions to your bank and the police on 101 so action can be taken at the earliest opportunity. Don’t ever be afraid to seek help – we are here for you.”
Get breaking news in Yorkshire straight to your phone
Get all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here.
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Yorkshire
