A pensioner with a history of deceit has been jailed for a second time after defrauding a neighbour out of more than £100,000. Margarita Clark, 72, from Fourways in Bayford, Hertfordshire, was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation. This follows her previous conviction for defrauding friends out of £2.5 million a decade ago.

St Albans Crown Court heard how Clark targeted a vulnerable woman in her 70s, who had recently moved to the area after the death of her husband. In 2018, Clark fabricated a story about purchasing property in Spain, offering her neighbour an opportunity to invest in exchange for a share of the interest. Over the next two years, Clark concocted various stories about the property deal to extract more money from the woman, totalling £118,000.

The funds were used by Clark to indulge in a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing high-end clothing, a new car, and even convincing the victim to finance a trip to Dubai. The victim’s family became suspicious in October 2020 and, after conducting a Google search, discovered Clark’s previous fraud conviction from 2014. They reported the matter to Hertfordshire Police, leading to an investigation.

Detective Constable Emma Cozens, who led the case, described Clark as "a cold and calculating individual" who exploited her victim during a vulnerable time. "She took advantage of her victim, who was grieving the loss of her husband and had only recently moved to the area. The victim genuinely believed she had made a close friend and was left shocked and heartbroken when the truth was discovered."

Clark’s manipulation left the victim devastated. She believed she had developed a trusting friendship with Clark, only to learn that she had been deceived for financial gain. The sentencing brings a sense of closure to the victim’s family, with DC Cozens expressing relief that Clark is now behind bars.

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