Yorkshire's 'Tinder swindler' given more jail time

A romance fraudster who "spun a web of lies" to swindle his victims out of thousands of pounds has been given an additional jail term.

Peter Gray, 36 and from Mirfield, had already been serving a 56-month sentence for defrauding four women he met on dating app Tinder of about £80,000, Leeds Crown Court was told.

On Wednesday, he was handed an additional two years and four months behind bars after admitting nine fraud offences committed against a woman and a man from Kirklees.

Det Con David Allott from West Yorkshire Police's Kirklees Precision Serious and Organised Crime Team said Gray was a serial fraudster who "cannot tell the difference between reality and fantasy".

The court was told Gray's offending against the woman occurred over a three-year period and included large cash payments for non-existent work to a property, a car lease in her name and the use of her credit card without her consent.

Gray also used the personal details of his friend to successfully take out a £25,000 loan in his name in August 2021.

Det Con Allott said: "During the investigation, it was clear to see the web of lies he spun with his victims in order to extort cash to fund his lifestyle.

"Gray identified numerous ways he could control and manipulate his victims and he has shown no remorse for his actions."

He thanked Gray's victims for their bravery in coming forward and urged others who have been targeted to report it to police.

He added: "Many people struggle to report offences due to the level of deception they've been subject to.

"Criminals who engage in this wicked crime are among the most devious and convincing fraudsters we see and there is nothing to be ashamed about if you have been affected."

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