Shepton Mallet fraudster jailed over £68,000 con

By Laura Linham 28th Aug 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Joseph Gibson, who was living in Shepton Mallet when he committed the offences, has been jailed for three years and two months after admitting four counts of fraud by false representation. The 35-year-old, now of no fixed address, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, 20 August.

Gibson took almost £68,000 from four victims after creating false personas, gaining their trust and then using a string of lies to obtain their money. Avon and Somerset Police released details of the case on Thursday, 27 August.

His invented identities included a wealthy businessman, entrepreneur, military veteran, doctor undergoing cancer treatment, air ambulance pilot and cancer patient. Police said the money obtained from victims was used to fund the appearance of a lavish lifestyle that did not exist.

Gibson falsified documents and showed victims pictures of houses, cars and boats he claimed to own. His deception went as far as signing purchase agreements for a mansion, a sports car and a yacht said to be worth almost £6 million.

Investigators found he owned none of those assets and, as far as they could establish, had no regular legitimate income entering his bank accounts. One victim, introduced to Gibson through another victim, handed over savings and took out a loan after hearing about his supposed lifestyle and investment success.

By the time the deception was uncovered, she was more than £18,000 in debt. Other victims described the lasting emotional and financial impact of Gibson's offending during the police investigation.

Gibson was also charged with two further offences of fraud by false representation, but those cases were dismissed after his four guilty pleas were accepted. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is due to take place in March 2027.

Designated Investigations Officer Jenny Williams, from the Complex Fraud Team, described Gibson as quiet, polite and mild-mannered during interview, but said that presentation hid a "confident and manipulative individual" who had constructed an extensive web of lies for personal gain.

She said the fraud had left victims facing significant debt, damaged trust and the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. She also highlighted Gibson's false claims to be a wounded military veteran and cancer patient as particularly personal lies used to gain sympathy and trust.

Police said Gibson continued inventing new stories when challenged, with some victims left feeling isolated and unable to discuss what they were experiencing. Officers praised the victims for remaining engaged throughout an investigation which took several years to reach sentencing.

Anyone who believes they has been the victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud, including cases where an attempted fraud was unsuccessful. Police advise calling 999 where a crime is happening at the time, an offender is nearby or there is an immediate risk of harm.