A fraudster who scammed an elderly cancer patient with dementia out of over £430,000 from his savings has been jailed.

Terry McGinlay, 44, conned David Wilson, who died earlier this year, between 2019 and 2022 before blowing the cash on drugs, alcohol and gambling.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that the fraudster convinced Mr Wilson, a retired farmer from Cumbria, to hand him 11 separate cheques totalling £432,500.

The financial abuse began in 2019 after McGinlay begged on his knees for the pensioner to give him £5,000.

Terry McGinlay, 44, conned David Wilson, who died earlier this year, between 2019 and 2022

The court was told that McGinlay repeatedly lied to Mr Wilson, assuring him that he would repay the huge debt once he received payment from a property sale in Ireland.

Cumbria Police first became aware of the scam after receiving a report from accountants who became wary after Mr Wilson refused to provide them with details of his financial records.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that the elderly cancer patient had waited by the phone in hope that the con-man would call him to repay the money.

Prosecutor Caitlin McLachlan said: “The defendant had been spending money funding a luxury lifestyle: designer clothing, household bills were paid, holidays, dining out and a vehicle for his son.”

Carlisle Crown Court heard that the elderly cancer patient had waited by the phone in hope that the con-man would call him to repay the money

A friend of Mr Wilson revealed to the court that the pensioner had been living alone during the ordeal and used a Zimmer frame due to his mobility issues.

He added: “It was very cruel to watch a man who would do no harm to anybody agonise over losing so much money to a fraud.”

McGinlay was charged with a second crime which saw him take £1,200 from a couple he promised to carry out work on their driveway, but failed to do so.

The couple delivered a statement to the court, which heard that the con left them with a dent in their finances.

The court was also told how the couple confronted McGinlay after no work had been carried out on the driveway despite handing him the money.

The fraudster reportedly told the pair: "Take me to court... I will wink at you."

Laura Jane Miller, defending, said: “He has had a lot of time whilst in custody to reflect on his behaviour.

"He does ask me to convey to your honour he is deeply sorry for the actions that have brought him to court today.”

McGinlay was charged with a second crime which saw him take £1,200 from a couple he promised to carry out work for

Judge Michael Fanning said: “No doubt a significant quantity [of the cash went] on drugs, alcohol and gambling.

“It is clear he had a real understanding of the fact he [Mr Wilson] had been taken fully advantage of by you.”

McGinlay was convicted of two counts of fraud, but initially denied both charges.

He was sentenced to six-and-a-half years behind bars.