“Thoroughly dishonest” serial conman Peter Walnes spared jail because he is old

A fraudulent pensioner who is a sole trader who buys and sells photographic equipment online has been spared jail because of his age but has been warned that if he ever appears before a court again he will go straight inside. Peter Walnes, 77, of Rosudgeon, near Marazion, Penzance, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence for defrauding customers of more than £180,000 over several years when he first appeared at Truro Crown Court in June 2023, pleading guilty to a charge of taking part in a fraudulent business.

The original offense took place between June 2019 and October 2021 in west Cornwall, where Walnes ran a business buying and selling cameras and photographic equipment. The court heard how initially Walnes’ business was legitimate and provided an income for him and his partner.

However, when the Covid pandemic hit, business slowed and Walnes began taking money from customers for items they would never ship. On other occasions, Walnes would pretend to sell items for customers, but never give them the money he received for them.

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In total, 16 victims were identified, with one victim losing approximately £150,000 to Walnes. In total, Walnes took £187,000 from customers over the two-year period.

Walnes appeared in court again on Friday (May 10) for sentencing after pleading guilty to a similar fraud charge relating to defrauding multiple clients – just a month after receiving his original suspended sentence.

The court heard that in July last year he offered to buy some Leica lenses from a customer but never sent the money, when in fact he had sold the items on eBay but never sent the lenses despite payment. Since his first court appearance, many people have taken to online forums to warn others against Walnes and to tell their own stories as victims of fraud.

During today’s hearing, the court was told that when the customer who sold him the lenses contacted Walnes, the pensioner was late and offered excuses, including saying he had no money due to HMRC demands. It was also heard that when his victim came to his home and asked for the money she was owed, she was only offered £985 when the agreed price was £2,880.

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The lens in question had been sold on eBay, but the buyer never received it and found out that the tracking number provided was fake. The prosecuting attorney said what happened in July was “a further continuation of Walnes’s behavior for which he received a two-year suspended sentence. Obviously, he didn’t learn his lesson.”

His judge Robert Linford said Walnes was a “deeply dishonest man”, warning him that his age would not be much of a protection against going to prison. He added: “In June last year you appeared before this court in relation to fraudulent dealing and received a two-year suspended sentence.

“A month after receiving this sentence, you were at it again. A person contacted you about selling photography equipment and you lied and misled and misled them. In fact, you have already sold some of the items. You are a rogue. human being.”

Judge Linford told Walnes he was spared jail the first time because of his age and added nine months to his original sentence, suspended for two years. He added: “You now have a two year and nine month suspended sentence. If you commit any crime in that time we will meet again and I don’t care how old you are or what effect prison would have on you. You’re going straight in, I hope the losers take you to a civil court.”

Walnes was also fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500.