A ROMANCE fraudster who manipulated two women to give over thousands of pounds has been jailed for his wicked crimes.

Julio Sweeney “preyed” on the vulnerable single women, engaging in relationships with both of them at the same time.

Sweeney, 58 and of Hurn Road, Matchams, took more than £10,000 from his victims, as well as cherished personal possessions, before they got in contact with each other on social media and went to police.

The defendant pleaded guilty to 14 counts of fraud by false representation on the day that he was due to stand trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Recorder James Newton-Price QC, who sentenced Sweeney to 15 months’ imprisonment at the same court on March 25, told the offender he had ruined his victims’ lives.

Bournemouth Echo: Julio Sweeney has been jailed for fraud offencesJulio Sweeney has been jailed for fraud offences

“Your conduct towards both victims was manipulative and it has had a devastating affect upon both of them,” said Recorder Newton-Price QC.

One of the victims described Sweeney as a “heartless, selfish, manipulative sociopath” who “preys on hard-working” women.

Prosecuting, Jonathan Underhill told the court the defendant began a relationship with one of the women after meeting them through his work in early 2017.

At the same time he had started also seeing the other woman. Both victims were completely unaware that Sweeney was seeing another woman.

Through these relationships the fraudster received £4,000 from one of them and £6,165 from the other on the false pretence that they were short-term loans he could and would repay.

The court heard he also took jewellery, which had belonged to one of the victim’s late mothers, and he never returned it.

He told one of the women he was going to use the money to set up a business for them, but this never came to fruition.

In September 2017, one of the victim’s became aware that Sweeney had been messaging the other woman and she decided to make contact with her.

After learning of his deceitful conduct and fraudulent behaviour, they reported him to police.

Bournemouth Echo: The case was dealt with at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, March 25The case was dealt with at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, March 25

Mr Underhill said Sweeney attended a voluntary police interview in January 2018 in which he accepted being in a relationship with both women but denied all wrongdoing.

The offender claimed the money had been used to have fun with the women at hotels, festivals and nights out. This was not true.

Mr Underhill read victim impact statements from the two women.

Both had been left with significant debts, credit ratings in ruins and county court judgements against them as a result of Sweeney’s behaviour.

“The last four years I have been wary of people, even geuinine people who I struggle to trust and this has caused problems in my relationships since Julio,” one of the statements said.

The other said the defendant had “walked away with it all (money and possessions) and left me with nothing”.

“I would get cryptic messages from random numbers,” the statement said.

“He seemed to always be watching all I did.”

The victim added: “He was looking for another opportunity to pounce on me. Looking for another chance to manipulate me.”

The court heard Sweeney had no previous convictions and had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder.

Mitigating, Edward Warren said the defendant had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and suffered significant mental health difficulties.

Mr Warren submitted that it would be appropriate to implement a suspended sentence, with rehabilitation work to be carried out with the probation service.

After considering whether to suspend the sentence, Recorder Newton-Price QC said: “I have come to the view that this case is so serious in in my judgement that appropriate punishment can only be achieved through immediate custody in your case.”

The judge thanked both victims for attending the court hearing, adding that he hoped the court process would bring some closure.”

Recorder Newton-Price QC said: “Both these women blame themselves but they should not. It was all your fault and I hope you understand that.”

The judge said the probation officer concluded the defendant lacked genuine remorse and victim awareness.

Detective Constable Andy Hale, of Dorset Police, said: “Julio Sweeny entered into relationships with his victims and gained their trust before persuading them to hand over significant sums of money without the intention of paying it back.

“I would like to praise the victims for having the courage to come forward and report these offences.

"We were able to support them and through a detailed investigation, prove the extent of Sweeney’s offending.”

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