SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Will writer fraudster ordered to pay more than £350k - or face an extra five years in prison!

SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Will writer fraudster ordered to pay more than £350k

A WILL writer from South Somerset who abused his position of trust has been ordered to pay a confiscation order of £362,978.56.

Keith Webber, aged 67, of Cerdic Close, Chard, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today (July 8, 2014) for the confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Keith Webber.SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Will writer fraudster ordered to pay more than £350k

In February of this year he was convicted of six counts of fraud and theft and was jailed for five years.

A police statement, released following today’s hearing, said: “As a will writer he has abused his position of trust over a three-year period during in his management of the estates of four elderly clients.

“The court heard that he had benefitted from his criminal activity to the value of £362,977.

“At the confiscation hearing he was ordered to repay the full value of the monies stolen within six months or face a further five years in prison. He will still be required to pay the confiscation order.”

A compensation order was also made, which requires that all monies will be returned to the estates of the deceased and the rightful beneficiaries will in turn, receive their bequests. 

Dr Kirstie Cogram, manager of Avon and Somerset Police’s Financial Investigation Unit, told the Yeovil Press: “This result demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that crime does not and will not pay and at the same time, the rightful beneficiaries will be compensated.”

One-in-seven people knows someone living off the proceeds of crime - for more information on making criminals pay visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/payback .

Alternatively you can call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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