North Wales Live
·Aug 2026
Ruthin conman claimed he was a special forces soldier turned multi-millionaire cancer patient
Joseph Gibson, 35, of Ruthin, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to three years and two months in prison after admitting four fraud offences that cost three women and a retired superyacht captain £68,000. He falsely claimed to be a Special Boat Service veteran, a cancer patient and a multimillionaire with luxury properties, vehicles, yachts and investment expertise. His victims were persuaded to provide money for business stock, investments and private cancer treatment, leaving them in debt and suffering lasting emotional harm. The judge rejected Gibson's request to defer sentencing so he could raise compensation, and proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act will begin to recover assets for the victims.