Percival Harris, 59, from Summerheath, Mabe Burnthouse, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for defrauding an elderly couple out of more than £350,000 through a fake will scam. Harris was convicted at Truro Crown Court on Thursday after being found guilty of fraud, forgery, and perverting the course of justice.

The court heard how Harris befriended Kathleen and Desmond Moyle, an elderly couple with no children who lived in a remote area, and gained power of attorney over them. He then forged their wills and siphoned off £351,481 from their estate, depriving their rightful beneficiaries.

Detective Constable Isabelle Woodall, the investigating officer, described Harris as a man who “exploited the most vulnerable in society for his own financial gain.” She explained that Harris had gained the couple’s trust and taken advantage of their vulnerabilities to secure their assets after their deaths.

The victims in this case had no way of knowing that the man they believed to be a devoted friend was motivated by greed,” Woodall said. Harris contrived to siphon off their assets, netting what remained following their deaths, despite safeguarding measures which should have protected them.

Though Harris was found guilty of the major charges, he was acquitted of theft and two counts of conspiracy to create a false instrument.

The court acknowledged the significant emotional and financial impact on the couple’s relatives, who had been denied their rightful inheritance. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is scheduled for November, where authorities will seek to recover the defrauded funds.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain.