Retired Pc sold disabled cousin's house to his sergeant son for £1, jury hears
A retired police officer allegedly defrauded his cousin with learning disabilities out of nearly £200,000 – including selling her home to his copper son for just £1.
John Gimbert, aged 64, sold the bungalow belonging to Janette Trim, 64, to his son David, a serving sergeant with Staffordshire Police based at force HQ in Stafford, after taking 'complete control' over her finances, Birmingham Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Mr Malcolm Morse said Ms Trim's learning difficulties meant she lived a 'sheltered life' and had to be treated 'like a child'.
The court heard after her father Dennis died in 2002, she inherited his estate worth £220,000 with John Gimbert as executor of the will.
In May 2003, Ms Trim signed papers to allow John Gimbert to become power of attorney over her affairs.
Her father's bungalow in Malcolm Close, Stoke-on-Trent, valued at around £80,000, was then sold to David, 37, the following September, the court was told.
"Four months and a week after signing power of attorney, Janette was disposing of the house to John's son for £1," said Mr Morse.
"The home, even valued at £50,000, was one quarter of her total inheritance.
"It may occur to you that when her father died, he was doing his level best to make sure Janette was being protected and he would leave her with as much as he could to see her through the rest of her life.
"I accept a bungalow in Stoke-on-Trent is not a mansion but I'm also able to accept that even if the property wasn't in its peak condition it would be worth more than £1."
Mr Morse told the court that John Gimbert raided Ms Trim's inheritance to give his children – sons David and William, 33, and daughter Jayne Page – 'large' deposits for mortgages.
John Gimbert, of Westwood Park Avenue, Leek, David Gimbert, whose address cannot be revealed for legal reasons, William Gimbert, of Malcolm Close, Stoke-on-Trent, and Raymond Basnett, of Yarnfield Close, Stoke-on-Trent, all deny one count of conspiracy to defraud. John Gimbert also denies four counts of theft.
David and William both deny a further two counts of handling stolen goods each, and Basnett denies theft relating to Ms Trim's home. The case continues.
