A woman named Leonnie Robson has been sentenced to over two years in prison for a calculated campaign of deception. She preyed on vulnerable men she met online, weaving a web of heartbreaking lies to steal their money.
The court heard Robson targeted men through a Facebook dating site, quickly moving conversations to WhatsApp where she began her manipulative requests. Initially, the amounts were small – ten or twenty pounds – but she relentlessly returned for more, exploiting their kindness and sympathy.
Robson’s stories were elaborate and emotionally charged. She falsely claimed to be escaping domestic violence, undergoing chemotherapy, and struggling to provide for her children, even fabricating a tragic tale of her daughter’s suicide.
Each time a victim questioned her, or asked for repayment, Robson skillfully deflected with more excuses and ultimately blocked them, ensuring they could never recover their funds. None of the money was ever returned to those she deceived.
The scheme began to unravel when a concerned carer noticed one of the victims repeatedly sending money to someone he’d met online. This prompted a report that ultimately led to Robson’s arrest and conviction.
Facing court, Robson admitted to five counts of fraud, with two additional similar offenses considered during sentencing. The judge acknowledged the “significant planning” involved in her crimes and the devastating impact on her victims.
Judge Alice Robinson condemned Robson for “spinning them lies about your personal life” to gain trust and exploit their generosity. She specifically noted one victim was pursued “mercilessly for everything he had.”
The judge delivered a sentence of two years and nine weeks in jail, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses. She urged anyone who suspects they or someone they know has been targeted by a romance fraudster to contact authorities immediately.
The court’s warning is stark: never send money, share bank details, or invest based on advice from someone met online, no matter how convincing their story may seem. Protecting oneself requires vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism.
