A repeat fraudster from Weymouth who took advantage of his victims and defrauded them of £190,000 has been jailed.
In late 2018, the defendant – 49-year-old Simon John Turner of Reading – was living in a caravan at a caravan park in Weymouth when he befriended a man aged in his 60s who lived alone.
In April 2019, the site was under redevelopment and Turner and the victim needed to purchase new caravans in order to remain living there.
Turner told the victim that he had secured a deal to purchase two caravans at a discounted price, costing the victim £60,000.
The victim made a number of payments to Turner, totalling £53,046, before finding out in November 2019 that the defendant never made any payment to the site owner, meaning the victim lost his place of residence.
Also, during this time, Turner had built trust with the victim and offered to invest some of the victim’s money in a mortgage in order to receive a favourable return when the property was sold.
The victim gave Turner an additional £61,025, but no money was ever invested and it was never returned.
In March 2019, the defendant met two other victims who were looking to purchase a caravan in Weymouth.
He told the victims that the caravans were only for existing residents but that he could purchase one on their behalf and they could complete the transaction through him.
The victims made a series of payments for the caravan, decking and security lighting, which Turner said he would install for them, totalling £76,239.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, one of the victims contacted the site and spoke to the owner who informed them that the invoices they had been provided were fake and there was no caravan for them.
On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Turner pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation. In February 2026, Turner failed to appear at court for sentencing and he was later located and arrested in Hampshire.
Turner was remanded in custody and sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, for the Dorset fraud offences, as well as further frauds he had committed in the Swindon and Reading areas.
In total, Tuner was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; such was the seriousness of his offending and impact that it has had upon his victims.
Detective Constable Mark Walsh, of Dorset Police, said: “Turner befriended his victims and made dishonest promises to invest their money, but instead profited over £190,000 for himself.
“His deception has had a long-lasting impact on all of the victims affected. One of the victims had their life savings taken by Turner, described it as robbing them of their past, present and future.
“Another of the victims is having to work past their retirement due to the financial loss caused at the hands of Turner.
“He acted callously and was only out to make money for himself, using charm to win over his victims and make them believe that he was genuine.
“I would like to thank the victims for their continued support during this complex and lengthy investigation, and I am pleased that Dorset Police was able to seek justice for them and ensure Turner was held to account.”
