Luxury holidays and lost bank cards – how fake Army major defrauded women on dating apps

Luxury Holidays and Lost Bank Cards - How Fake Army Major Defrauded Women on Dating Apps

Luxury holidays and lost bank cards - David Griffiths, a 52-year-old man from Malvern, Worcestershire, recently admitted to deceiving two women through his fabricated persona. He claimed to be a wealthy pilot, a former Army major who had served alongside Prince Harry, and someone with access to substantial cash. These were just a few of the falsehoods he used to manipulate his victims into sending thousands of pounds to him.

"He groomed me to have sex for his financial gain," Helen explained. "I believe this man has done this to other women, and I don't think we're the only ones."

Following his conviction for two counts of fraud by misrepresentation, Griffiths received a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. His victims, Joanne Brandon-Hodgkinson and Helen Moorefield, now hope their public testimony will warn others of his tactics. The court revealed that Griffiths had previously admitted to swindling Joanne out of £4,500 and Helen of £10,178.42.

During the sentencing, Judge Paul Hobson highlighted Griffiths' lack of concern for his victims, noting his tendency to spread "whopping lies" with "elaborate detail." The emotional toll of his deception was described as "hard to overstate." Joanne, a 56-year-old from New Inn, Torfaen, met Griffiths on the dating app Hinge in August 2022. She was initially captivated by his appearance and knowledge, believing he had a distinguished military background.

Griffiths told Joanne he worked as an operations director for a helicopter company in Canary Wharf, earning a salary of £120,000. However, when police checked the company's existence, it turned out to be fictional. Later, he claimed to have transitioned to a role as a search-and-rescue pilot at RAF St Athan in Wales. Joanne recalled how their relationship revolved around his shift schedule, making it difficult to see him for weeks at a time.

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Months into their relationship, Joanne noticed early warning signs. Griffiths often lacked his bank cards, which raised concerns. When he began his new job at RAF St Athan, he asked for a loan to cover expenses like clothes and a smartwatch. They then planned an exclusive holiday to Dubai and Thailand, with Joanne paying him for her share. She was convinced the trip was real, citing itineraries and a booking reference.

Griffiths' scheme unraveled when he attempted to purchase a £650,000 house in Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan. He portrayed himself as a cash buyer who had sold his Oxfordshire farmhouse. Yet, as the sale progressed, a relative discovered the truth when conveyancing documents were sent to their home. The estate agent was alerted, revealing Griffiths was not the affluent pilot he claimed.

"You have a wave of panic set over you," Joanne said, describing the moment she learned the man she trusted was not who he said he was. "The first thing I did was call the police."

The court confirmed that Griffiths was actually employed at Newberry International Produce in Newent, Gloucestershire, and rented the £900,000 Oxford property rather than owning it. His elaborate fabrications, including the "glittering Army career" and the luxury holiday, were ultimately exposed through this financial misrepresentation.