'Charming' Tinder conman jailed for swindling £140k from woman to fund 'high life'

10 February 2022, 14:42 | Updated: 10 February 2022, 14:45

A father-of-two fraudster who conned a woman he matched on Tinder out of more than £140,000 has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Richard Dexter, of Southshea, Hampshire, convinced his Tinder match Amrita Sebastian to invest in a biopharmaceutical technology deal, claiming to enjoy a life of "private jets and expensive cars".

The 38-year-old also claimed to have bought a hot air balloon "just because he could" in order to impress her, Portsmouth Crown Court was told.

Dexter, a father-of-two, previously admitted seven counts of fraud and was convicted of perverting the course of justice.

He was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Prosecutors said Dexter met Ms Sebastian, an Indian national living in Dubai, on the online dating app back in 2015, claiming to be a "successful businessman" selling biopharma technology.

"He claimed he was worth £6.8 million," Robert Bryan, prosecuting, told the court.

"He said he was involved in Hollywood studios and he alluded to immense wealth, private jets and expensive cars."

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He added that Dexter claimed to earn more in interest from his investments than a doctor's annual salary.

In 2015, prosecutors said Dexter persuaded Ms Sebastian to invest in a patent catalogue including a "bioreactor paddle" patent which he falsely claimed to have arranged to sell to medical firm 3M.

The court was told he claimed the deal was worth £3.6 million and that she could benefit from 50% of this.

Mr Bryan said Dexter sent Ms Sebastian a message saying: "I am 32, most of my friends did college and uni, all of them have debts and worries and all earn £40,000 to £60,000. I bought a hot air balloon yesterday just because I could."

He also continued to ask Ms Sebastian for further sums to cover administration and legal fees - including when she was "extremely ill" in hospital - until she had invested a total of £141,500, the court heard.

Prosecutors said Ms Sebastian alerted officers in April 2017 after the defendant failed to pay her back any money, and she told officers: "As Dexter had so much of my money, I felt trapped."

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Mr Bryan said Dexter spent the money on living expenses and to pay off debts to friends and family as well as for a payment to a classic car company.

He added: "It must have been relatively high living."

John Lucas, defending, described Dexter as a "bright man, a charming man" and added: "He is sorry for what he has done. He is a well-educated young man who has made a big error of judgment."

Dexter told the court: "I am very, very sorry to the point I think about it every day, from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. I can't justify myself or what I did."

He added that he had £200,000 in three cryptocurrencies to pay back his victim and a proceeds of crime act hearing was set by the court to be held on April 7.

Sentencing Dexter, Judge Timothy Mousley QC said: "There is little sign of any remorse and certainly, in my judgment, no sign of genuine remorse.

"You never spared a thought for her, you knew about her state of health but continued to take her money from her.

"Dishonesty is a feature of your character, it's profound and you are someone who shows no hesitation in resorting to lies with an ease that is almost breathtaking."