21 hours ago
Belize strife and heart surgery – man faces staggering romance fraud charges in court
A SUSPECT is due to appear in court to face staggering romance fraud allegations – from financial strife in Belize to needing heart surgery, and even the sale of a canal boat.
Marc Cole-Jones is accused of conning six complainants out of more than £590,000, one of which is believed to be from Warrington.
He faces 22 charges of fraud by false representation before Warrington Magistrates' Court today, Monday.
Now, the extent of the allegations has been laid bare through his charge street – including alleged claims of being in 'financial crisis on holiday in Belize'.
It is also alleged that Cole-Jones defrauded people through joint business ventures including an aesthetic clinic, and cars including a Range Rover, Land Rover, Audi, Mercedes, and a campervan.
Another charge was that he allegedly portrayed himself as a successful businessman and advised a complainant that she should invest in a canal boat, which he later allegedly sold without her knowledge or consent to make a gain of £75,000 for himself.
Prosecutors allege that the defendant defrauded complainants by claiming he needed money for private heart surgery and veneer repairs.
Other allegations are that he needed help in paying off outstanding tax bills and debts that carried threats of violence against him.
The 52-year-old, of Church Grove in Donnington, Telford, was charged following an investigation by detectives from Cheshire Police's economic crime unit
The charges relate to romance fraud allegations involving six complainants from Cheshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Manchester, and the West Midlands.
The offences are reported to have occurred between 2009 and 2024, with the total value of the alleged offences being more than £590,000.
Cole-Jones, also known as Marc Cole and Marc Sands, will make a first appearance in relation to the allegations before Warrington Magistrates' Court today.
