A former estate agent who ran his own business and commended great respect locally has been jailed for two years.
Roger Darnton, 53, had already admitted two counts of fraud – one where he abused his position as an executor of a will, and another where he abused his position when holding lasting power of attorney.
Darnton worked in Guisborough, Teesside, for 35 years and was once named citizen of the year. A keen local historian, he also founded the town’s museum, and was even known as Mr Guisborough.
But Teesside Crown Court heard on Friday that Darnton had been “fiddling” all his life.
Judge Howard Crowson said the frauds spanned 2012 to 2017, and told him that they were possible “because you were trusted completely”.
In one case, he defrauded a wealthy farmer’s estate by almost £100,000. He used part of the money to buy high-end antiques in a quantity so large that when palleted, they filled one and a half trucks.
Darnton had already received a £30,000 bequest from the farmer, and was totally trusted by the other three executors. He admitted to forging a signature on a cheque and taking money from a safe.
In the second case, he had defrauded a woman who was the main beneficiary of the will, who had been the farmer’s companion.
He was granted power of attorney over her affairs, and she subsequently moved into a care home.
He defrauded her by £3,500 when she was in her nineties.
His crimes were discovered at a meeting of executors when he said he had taken money from the estate. He said he would try to pay it back and suggested everyone turn a blind eye to what he had done.
The other parties were unwilling to comply, the court heard.
The court was told that his wife was in poor health and “unaware of the extent of her husband’s financial and criminal activities and she was very upset at being the subject of police raids and investigation”.
The judge accepted that Darnton was trying to right his wrongs by selling his home, noting the good work he had done previously and the complete loss of his reputation.
Numerous references praised Darnton as a pillar of the community. But the judge said some of these referees fell into the same category as the victims.
After the sentencing, investigating officer Det Con Emma Marsay, of Cleveland Police Economic Crime Unit, said: “Roger Darnton was well known and well respected in the community, and he was in the trusted position of a local estate agent for over 35 years.
“It is now clear that he insinuated himself into the lives of trusting often vulnerable people.
“This was a complex case to investigate. The offences began several years ago and because there were legal and financial aspects to the investigation, it was essential we were meticulous in our inquiries to ensure the best outcome.
“I am pleased with the result today. It should reassure people that we will do all we can to ensure that we protect the vulnerable and bring to justice those who offend against them.”
Darnton, who had no previous convictions, closed his business Roger Darnton Estate Agents last October, saying that he was retiring and wishing the people of Guiseborough “every happiness and prosperity”.
He branded his business as “the traditional estate agent you can trust”.
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