Imprisoned Horsham man must pay more than £250,000 after thefts

Jonathan Pollard, 54, of Holbrook Park, was convicted of two offences of theft, totalling £205,000, at Lewes Crown Court on October 8 last year and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Pollard met and gave financial advice to the man several years ago in Horsham, a Sussex Police spokesperson said.

The victim, now 71, moved to a flat in Eastbourne and became vulnerable through illness.

The spokesperson said: “He was deemed not to have sufficient capacity so Pollard arranged for a power of attorney to be taken out relating to his financial affairs.

“The flat was remortgaged. Funds in his pension to the value of £215,000 were withdrawn without his knowledge or agreement and were taken by Pollard.

“However after the sentencing police were determined to help the victim get some recompense.”

On September 26, a Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) was made for £254,306.79, following an examination by a police financial investigator.

The money will be paid entirely from Pollard to the victim and includes an extra £49,306.79 to take account of the increase in the value of money since the time of the offence.

Pollard was given 21 days to pay £57,000 and six months to pay the remainder.

Should there be any delays he will be liable to three years further imprisonment and the debt will increase with interest charges, police added.

Detective Inspector Mick Richards of the Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit said; “Pollard was first brought to justice thanks to the hard work of detectives in the force’s East Sussex Adult Protection Team.

“Once he was sentenced we carried out an in-depth investigation of his assets, and this enabled us to submit an application which the court fully accepted.

“We hope this is of further assistance and comfort to the victim and his family, and it also demonstrates that we can and will pursue offenders beyond conviction, for their ill-gotten gains.”