A “callous and calculated” fraudster who swindled £70,000 from his partner has been jailed.

Andrew Camfield, 59, of Lansdowne Terrace, Eastbourne, met Louise Wynne at a pub quiz in Christmas 2018 and the two began dating before starting a relationship in February 2019.

Camfield began to ask Louise for money, claiming he was due a large inheritance from his late father, but this was a complete lie.

Louise, 57, said she “fell hook, line and sinker” for Camfield who was described as funny and personable.

The Argus: Louise and Andrew were together for around three yearsLouise and Andrew were together for around three years (Image: Louise Wynne)

Louise’s son eventually grew suspicious and reported Camfield to Sussex Police in June 2021.

He was jailed for seven years when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on Thursday, May 25.

At sentencing, her honour judge Kelly said: “This was a prolonged and sophisticated fraud – you engaged in a relationship, you deceived Louise through elaborate lies defrauding her out of a significant amount of money.

"You lied throughout the relationship making up elaborate lies stringing her along. This was a truly callous and calculated set of actions which breached her trust.”

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Louise, who has two children, said: “I was so in love with Andrew I didn’t see any warning signs or red flags.

“With hindsight, if only I had confided in my close friends about the financial aspect of the relationship sooner, perhaps things would have been different.

“It’s not only the financial devastation, but the emotional heartache I’ve suffered and the ongoing lack of trust I now experience, alongside feelings of being judged for my perceived naivety.”

The Argus: Camfield has now been jailedCamfield has now been jailed (Image: Sussex Police)

Bernadette Lawrie, Sussex Police’s financial abuse safeguarding officer, and Operation Signature lead, said: “It is incredibly brave of Louise to come forward and share her experiences with others, as victims all too often feel ashamed and embarrassed, blaming themselves for the actions of these heartless and ruthless criminals.

“By opening up about the impact of the fraud it is hoped that others may identify with the situation and seek support or realise this may be happening to someone close to them.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of romance fraud, please report to police by calling 101.