Shrewsbury conman jailed for more than four years
A conman who claimed to be an international showjumper and equine businessman to fleece horse lovers out of hundreds of thousands of pounds has been jailed for more than four years.
James Condliffe, from Shrewsbury, spun a web of deceit to defraud investors out of £280,000 to fund his own lifestyle.
These included boasts that he owned a grade II detached country estate in Ashford, Kent, with seven acres of land and stables, had competed at high level horsing events, and owned a horse destined for the Rio Olympics.
A court heard he even lied that his parents were either seriously ill or dead when they were in fact alive and well.
The 34-year-old's victims included a girlfriend and an 85-year-old retired farmer.
Condliffe, of Cross Green Farm in Upper Berwick, admitted 21 charges of fraud by false representation and one of using a false instrument. The offences were committed between July 2012 and July 2014.
Prosecutor Edward Connell told Maidstone Crown Court in Kent: "Much of the deception was perpetrated on victims that were vulnerable for one reason or another.
"He took advantage for his own personal gain and successfully convinced investors he was a successful horse rider and businessman.
"When the people he defrauded tried to chase him to get their money back, he would say anything to get himself out of trouble, including stories about his parents being seriously ill or dead when they were both alive.
"In reality, rather than being a successful businessman he was a man in serious financial difficulties who repeatedly preyed on others to fund his lifestyle."
Condliffe was jailed for four years and three months. A confiscation hearing will be held at a later date.
