AN IRISH businessman from Llandysul preyed on friends who trusted him as part of a large conspiracy targeting farmers across south-west England, Wales, and the north-west of England.
Jimmy Connors abused his friendships with two Welsh sheep farmers to swindle them out of £40,000 to pay for his sister’s wedding.
Connors, who knew his victims through sales of agricultural machinery and equipment to them over many years, created an elaborate web of deceit to get money out of his victims.
Connors’ parents had done business with his victims for thirty years in a legitimate business which sold imported farming equipment to farmers in Wales.
Through their business, Connors wheedled his way into the confidence of local farmers.
Connors told his victims a lorry with a new quad bike was impounded by customs at Pembroke Dock ferry port and he needed cash to secure its release.
Connors’ co-conspirators then helped him swindle even more money out of people who believed he was their friend by claiming he had been arrested and needed money for bail.
Connors worked with a gang of Irish swindlers who also scammed farmers in Devon, Cornwall, and Lancashire out of more than £500,000.
Sheep farmers Peter and Stephen Weeks, from Boncath, were left broke and struggling to buy fertiliser and other supplies Connors with others conned them out of £37,000.
Spencer Edwards, a retired farmer, handed over £4,000 before suspicions were raised by his bank after he asked them for advice.
Mr Edwards’ bank alerted the Police, who arrested Connors.
Under questioning, Connors claimed he needed the money to pay for his sister’s wedding in the Irish Republic.
Appearing at Exeter Crown Court on Friday, August 22, Connors pleased guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud.
He was sentenced to 20 months for his part in a conspiracy involving other members of his family, who await sentencing for their parts in a wider conspiracy to defraud.
HHJ Peter Johnso told Connors: “Peter and Stephen Weeks had done business with you and your parents for 30 years and trusted you as a friend. They have a modest sheep farm which was viable and they were keeping their heads above water.
“You were an essential part of the conspiracy because you were trusted by them and were able to get your foot in the door and spin the yarn about the lorry.
“You knew this was a thoroughly dishonest enterprise from the outset.
“Later the same day you went to visit an elderly, retired man in his 70s and the same scam was effective because he saw you as a trusted friend.”
Through his own barrister, Connors showed little remorse for the effect his actions had on those who trusted him, suggesting that no permanent damage had been caused to them as they had not suffered through their business closing.
57-year-old gang leader Dennis McGinley admitted involvement in a wider conspiracy in which the prosecution allege over £500,000 was stolen or swindled out of farmers.
However, McGinley does not accept the total fraud alleged and claims that legitimate business transactions have been shown as fraudulent.
There will be a trial on the issue of the amount conned out of the gang’s victims early next year.
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