A policeman who was meant to be helping an elderly victim of conmen is alleged to have stolen more than £270,000 from the frail spinster.
John Morgan and his wife Eunice "cultivated" the 89-year-old's trust and used her life savings to fund a luxury lifestyle, a court heard.
The couple allegedly bought themselves sports cars and designer jewellery with the cash, as well as using it for outdoor sports and fitness activities.
As Joan Harping became more ill, the couple grew more daring and finally, after she suffered a stroke which hospitalised her, they sold her house and tried to swindle her out of the £200,000 proceeds, Basildon Crown Court heard.
The pair, of Upper Third Avenue, Frinton, deny all the allegations.
During the three years John Morgan transferred to Essex Police and was based at Clacton. He has since resigned. Miss Harping now lives in a care home in Frinton.
John and Eunice Morgan deny 15 charges of obtaining money transfers by deception, and John Morgan denies three charges of forgery along with using a false instrument.
The trial continues
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article