Brett Conway exploited his elderly parents by stealing nearly £52,000 from their joint bank account between December 2017 and June 2018. His father was suffering from severe dementia, leaving both parents vulnerable to his manipulative actions. Conway falsely claimed the money was intended for mortgage payments and property renovations, but investigations revealed he used the funds to pay off an escalating credit card debt exceeding £75,000 and to finance a luxury lifestyle, including several overseas holidays each year.
When confronted by his mother about the dwindling bank balance, Conway admitted to the theft but refused to repay the money or seek an amicable resolution. This betrayal deeply affected his mother’s wellbeing, necessitating her move into a care home. After his initial arrest on suspicion of theft, Conway launched an aggressive campaign targeting both his former partner, who had given witness testimony, and his parents. He drafted false retraction letters, publicly made baseless accusations against his ex-partner, and threatened to inflate legal costs by refusing cooperation in a civil case.
Tragically, both of Conway’s parents have since passed away. Following a detailed investigation by Wiltshire Police’s Complex Fraud Team, Conway, aged 66 and formerly of Stanton St Quintin, was charged with two counts of theft and one count of perverting the course of justice. On August 13 at Swindon Crown Court, he was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after two jury trials.
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Detective Constable Rachael Fairbairn described Conway as a manipulative individual who not only caused financial harm but inflicted profound emotional distress on his elderly victims. She highlighted his relentless bullying tactics and how his actions extended beyond financial abuse to emotionally tormenting his family and anyone involved in holding him accountable.
While the financial losses are significant, the emotional impact on his elderly parents was even more devastating. Despite their desperate plea for Conway to keep the money in exchange for peace, his behavior only escalated, prompting the necessity of criminal proceedings. Although it is sorrowful that his victims did not live to see justice served, the court’s decision marks a critical step in holding Conway accountable.
Efforts are now underway to recover the stolen funds through the Proceeds of Crime Act.