[A] MAN has been found not guilty by a jury of allegedly defrauding of his elderly mother.
John Gwynn, a man of good character, went on trial at Carlisle Crown Court having denied one allegation of fraud. This alleged that he abused his position as power of attorney for the late Mary Elizabeth Gwynn by dishonestly taking her money for his own benefit.
But this afternoon (THURS), after hearing all evidence in the case, a jury found him not guilty, unanimously, of the charge.
During evidence, 66-year-old Mr Gwynn spoke of the “close relationship” he had with his mother – who suffered from dementia and died in January aged 91 – and told the court he was the sole family carer for her.
He denied acting dishonestly, saying he had been “very open, very honest and very supportive”.
After the jury returned its verdict, Recorder Julian Shaw said to Mr Gwynn, of Kirkstone Crescent, Barrow: “All right, Mr Gwynn, you are free to go. Thank you very much.”
He replied: “Thank you, Your Honour.”