Jail for woman who conned victims in Peterborough and Lincolnshire out of money with "web of lies" about cancer and domestic abuse
A woman has been jailed for fraud after conning victims in Peterborough and south Lincolnshire out of money with a “web of lies and deceit”.
Debbie Runnalls, 61, of Wrenbury Drive, Northwich, Cheshire, formerly of Lincolnshire, had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on 10 November and was jailed on 19 February at Lincoln Crown Court.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “This follows a detailed investigation that uncovered prolific and determined efforts by Runnalls to defraud others for her own personal gain.
“The case involves numerous victims, vast sums of money, and a web of lies and deceit.
“One charge of fraud by abuse of position related to Runnalls’ now ex-husband’s company where, in her bookkeeping role, she falsified accounts and pocketed the money which amounted to around £230,000. The damage to the business, and her marriage, was irreparable and the company was forced to fold.
“In addition to her ex-husband’s business, Runnalls’ sentence today relates to 10 victims who she conned into handing over money. The amounts she took range from £1800 up to £40,000 and total £132,300.
“Conniving and extremely convincing, Runnalls deceived her victims, both men and woman, concocting extremely elaborate stories that played on their good nature and generosity.
"She drew them in with her lies which included claiming that she had cancer, and that she was the victim of serious assaults because of domestic abuse that had left her in urgent need of money. She falsified bank statements and claimed to be inheriting millions of pounds so promised she would be in a position to pay her victims back.”
DC Adam Brown of Lincolnshire Police investigated the case. He said: "People trusted Runnalls and she ruthlessly abused that trust for her own personal gain.
"The victims in this case have been honest and brave, in contrast to Runnalls' deception and cowardice. We hope that the result today brings them some sense of closure and of justice having been served.
"I would like to thank those victims for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout the investigation.
"While there are individuals like Runnalls, we sadly have to warn people about being cautious with who they trust, especially if they are asking for money. If you have been a victim of fraud, please don’t hesitate to seek support and report it."
Lincolnshire Police said Runnalls pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, ten charges of fraud by false representation and one charge relating to possessing false bank statements.